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N9499 ¦ BSL 03.12.1978

Douglas DC-7C (c/n 45310/960)

ARCO Bermuda (Air Relief Charter Operations)

Basel-Mulhouse (BSL/LFSB)

03 December 1978

 

Built for Sabena in 1958 and later flying with Caledonian Airways and Südflug, this DC-7 was acquired by North American Aircraft Trading in 1968 and leased to ARCO Bermuda as VR-BCX in early 1969. ARCO was a shadowy relief company based in Bermuda and active during the Biafran airlift, where several DC-6s and DC-7s were used. After the war VR-BCX became surplus and was withdrawn from use at Basel in 1970. When landing and airport fees remained unpaid, the DC-7 was seized by the airport as N9499 in March 1971.

 

Ever since it had been rotting away near the Southern perimeter fence, and when seen in late 1978, was in a very sorry state. It was wearing "Leased to ARCO Bermuda" titles and still had the two-tone blue cheat-line of former operator Südflug.

 

The aircraft was eventually removed in 1980 and scrapped.

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Uploaded on September 17, 2025
Taken on December 3, 1978