markirwin

Convair 340, N8491H c/n 202. This aircraft was modified to become the CV-440 'Metropolitan' prototype, first flying as such on October 5, 1955. Continental was the first airline to operate the type, beginning on March 8, 1956. In 1963 it was converted to turboprop power (Allison 501-D13) by Englehardt Industries and became a Convair CV-580. It flew under nine different registrations including N30EG when it was an executive transport for Malcolm Forbes. It ended up as C-GSKJ in Canada, converted to a fire bomber aerial tanker. On May 14, 2006, while on a training flight for aerial firefighters operated by the Canadian government, it crashed at La Ronge Airport, Saskatchewan (YVC) after a failed go-around. One of four crewmen was killed.

Pure joy in those eyes!

This photo was taken on November 4, 1954. It depicts the graphic break-up and tragic loss of a Convair YF2Y Sea Dart (BuNo 135762) over San Diego Bay, which resulted in the death of Convair test pilot Charles E. Richbourg. Richbourg was demonstrating the Sea Dart for Navy officials and the press when the maneuvers performed reportedly over-stressed the airframe, causing catastrophic structural failure and the aircraft's break-up in mid-air.