Remanufactured from c/n 12779 for the US Navy as 17175 in 1951. Registered as N21270 in 1983, N175TD in 1986, N30000 in 1990, XA-TMR in 1998 and N32TN in 2002. Destroyed by a hurricane at LaBelle, FL in 2017.

Originally delivered to the US Navy as R4D-5 BuNo 17098 (c/n 12779). The rebuild to R4D-8 c/n 43301 was done in 1951, then redesignated to C-117D in 1962.

A good comprehensive history is provided by R.A. Scholefield with his photo ID: 114454

Built in 03.44 as R4D-5 17175 c/n 12779 for USMC. Became the first rebuild to R4D-8/C-117D "Super Dakota" standard in 10.51, retaining its BuNo but receiving new c/n 43301. Retired to Davis Monthan in 04.77. N21270 with Hawkins & Powers from 01.83. Lan-Dale Co from 10.85 and reregd to N175TD and again to N30000 (6) from 04.90. XA-TMR. N32TN from 02.02 until wrecked in storm in Florida in 2017.

Pity a sound file couldn't be conjured up from somewhere for this departure!!

Photographing a highly polished aircraft on sunny day on a crowded ramp can be a challenge! TMF Aircraft never seemed to have enough engines to keep both N32TN and N587MB in service. Both aircraft were highly polished and appeared to be in very good condition. Moved from Opa-locka to LaBelle Municipal Airport a few years ago, N32TN was destroyed by Hurricane Irma on September 10, 2017.

TMF Aircraft C-117D had been parked at LaBelle, FL for about two years without engines. It was totally destroyed when Hurricane Irma visited LaBelle on September 10, 2017.