Bellanca 17 Viking 300, N8792V / 30363, Private
This picture is © Trevor Davies and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: N8792V
Construction Number: 30363
Model Bellanca 17 Viking 300
Operator: Private
Airport: Abingdon (ABB / EGUD), UK - England
Airshow: Abingdon - London-Victoria Air Race - 1971
Photographer: Trevor Davies
Date Taken: 01/07/1971
Date Submitted: 19/09/2006
This aircraft ditched off the Greenland coast rather than landing on an ice flow, then proceeded to float for long enough to have the occupants rescued. The occupants got into the dinghy without getting wet feet. They only got wet when the downwash from the rotor of the S-61 blew spray on them. As they had forgot the emergency transmitter, the police patrol went to silence it 24 hour later. They found the aircraft still floating and brought it ashore and it was transported to Narsarsuaq. After some time, the wings were sawn off, making every thought of rebuilding it impossible (one-piece, wooden main spar).
Picture ID:1018187