Dates

Event

1955

Constructed as a C-118A.

30 September 1955

Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Air Force with s/n 53-3286.

Converted to a VC-118A.

By 1970

Transferred to 6486 Field Maintenance Squadron, Hickam AFB, HI.

Garry Wilson reports: I was the maintenance Crew Chief for this aircraft while assigned to the 6486 Field Maintenance Squadron at Hickam AFB, HI 1970. The plane belonged to the USAF Security Services and provided VIP transport of the Headquarters Pacific Security Region located at Wheeler AFB, HI.

May 1975

Withdrawn from use.
Stored at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.

12 May 1976

To Atlas Aircraft Cororation with new c/r N43865.

After June 1976

Converted to a DC-6A.

October 1977

Photographer: Geoff Goodall
Notes: N43865 at Miami in October 1977 was a windowless freighter with Atlas Aircraft Corp, Miami. Despite the smart paint scheme, this was a disposals USAF C-118A, one of many recent surplus military C-118s to be seen

23 November 1977

To Kimex Inc, Miami, FL keeping c/r N43865.

20 July 1979

Crashed.
Summary: The airframe was written off. There were two fatalities. The cargo flight departed Gainesville-J R Alison Municipal Airport, FL (GNV/KGNV), United States of America and was destined for Kingston-Norman Manley International Airport (KIN/MKJP), Jamaica. The accident occurred at 1,5 km (0. 9 mls) off Kingston-Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) (Jamaica) while on approach. Narrative: The DC-6A cargo plane crashed into sea in about 10 feet of water while on the second approach to Kingston Airport (KIN), Jamaica...
For a complete description of the event read the Aviation Safety Network Report.

Crashed.
Gary Nolin reports: This pristine DC-6A Crashed into the sea off Norman Manley Airport, Kingston Jamaica. Carried Hatching eggs and cargo. The Captain and Flight Engineer were both killed, and the co-pilot and myself survived.

28 September 1982

Civil registration, N43865, cancelled.