Nord N-2501D Noratlas, HC-BDN / D120, ATESA (Aerotaxis Ecuatorianos S.A.)
This picture is © Diogo da Conceicao and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: HC-BDN
Construction Number: D120
Model Nord N-2501D Noratlas
Operator: ATESA (Aerotaxis Ecuatorianos S.A.)
Airport: Tumbaco - ITM, Ecuador
Photographer: Diogo da Conceicao
Date Taken: 29/02/2024
Date Submitted: 20/04/2024
Most likely the only thing left of a Noratlas on the entire American continent. Cabin of a Nord 2501D Noratlas of the Ecuadorian company ATESA (Aerotaxis Ecuatorianos S.A.), preserved in a place where wooden articles are assembled near the town of Tumbaco. This cabin had previously been seen on the road that leads to Checa, about 10 minutes from there, and prior to this the entire plane was stored at the old Mariscal Sucre Airport until the mid-90s. It first flew with the Luftwaffe as GA+122 and 53+02, later with EFL Elbeflug as D-ACUL and before moving to ATESA it had African registrations 9Q-CRS and 9G-ACH. After having already seen a German plane at the airport earlier that day, my friend Antonio and I decided to go see this other one who spent part of its days in Germany. Years ago I tried twice to get in to see this cabin without success, but this time this photo was achieved after requesting permission from an assistant of the property owner. We also visited the cabin inside and surprisingly it was quite intact but extremely dirty as expected. I truly hope that this jewel of Ecuadorian and South American aviation never disappears.
Picture ID:1885366