Ex USAF / AFRES as 54-0581

ex "Ranch Hand". To MASDC 01JUL70. Returned to service, noted with 356 TAS / 302 TAW AFRES JUL76. To MASDC as CP065 17NOV81

The aircraft entered service with the USAF around 1954, retired in August 1982 when it was flown to AMARC (inventory number CP0084). To a private owner in February 1986 as N123K. Based at the Lone Star Flight Museum in Texas from November 1987 until 1990. In March 1993, the aircraft was issues a CoA. Withdrawn from use by 1996 and by 2007 placed in open storage at Deer Valley. At some point between 2001 and 2003, the markings and serial were applied and it was used for electronic sensor trials. Finally to a new owner in Alaska, last based at Fairbanks (after 2015). CoA issued in January 2017.

Built at Hagerstown, MD as Fairchild C-123B, 54-554, and sent to Stroukoff in New Jersey to be fitted with the "Pantobase" landing gear system, which permitted landing on any reasonably flat surface. land, water or snow. Seen at the National Air Show in Philadelphia.

Just arrived for storage.

In the early 1980s the Castle Air Museum added many aircraft to its inventory. "Hog Hauler" was one of them, and it arrived in August 1981.

This C-123 was highly polished and reflections off the skin made photographing the aircraft in sunny conditions a bit of a challenge. It hasn't flown since the owner was killed in the crash of C-123K N709RR on the southern flank of Mount Healy, Alaska in 2010.

Previous serial 3-CT-2

Ex-USAF 57-6189. Used as a parachute ground trainer.