ex TWA, LAV and Braniff - seized in Bolivia by 1961

Something of a tourist attraction in Santa Cruz, even having its own Wikepedia page, the Avión Pirata as the Connie is known, has been in Bolivia since being forced to land El Trompillo airport in 1961 by the Bolivian Air Force, suspected smuggling contraband such as cigarettes, textiles and whiskey. Placed in its current location in 1979 the aircraft has subsequently been used as a library, a bank and a travel agency. Later painted in Pepsi colours, it also spent several years in the colours of local airline Aerosur.

Impounded in 1961 in Bolivia after being forced to land. Found to be smuggling whisky and tobacco. Never flew again but has had a long life as an off-airport building. Mike Sparkman collection photo. Photo from: Civil Aviation Historical Society, Melbourne, Australia

This plane is known as "Avión Pirata" or "Pirate Plane" amongst the locals. It is said that on July 29, 1961 this plane was forced to land by the Bolivian Air Force as it was suspected to transport contraband (hence its name). In 1979 it was moved to its current location to be preserved as a library near downtown Santa Cruz (El Tao neighborhood). Since then it has worn various liveries including AeroSur and Pepsi colors. It originally flew as YV-C-AME for LAV - Línea Aeropostal Venezolana.