Check out this STUFF link for the sad demise of the Douglas DC-3 ZK-BBJ (Adverts and all).
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Actually this DC-3 has not featured on this Blog previously.
So here is my take on it.
Douglas C-47B-45-DK c/n 34222/16962 was built as s/n 45-959 for the U.S.A.A.F and appears to have been taken on charge on 20-07-1945.
It was almost immediately handed over to the RNZAF and became NZ3552 with a delivery date of 16-08-1945 and served mainly with 41 Squadron until struck off charge in mid-July 1952.
It joined the NZ Civil Aircraft Register as ZK-BBJ in July 1952 with NZNAC and was converted to civilian DC-3C status at Palmerston North from 08-06-1953 and given the name 'Piripiri'.
It was upgraded to Skyliner standard and renamed 'City of Gisborne' from 17-03-1964.
Luggate Game Packers Ltd/Alpine Helicopters Ltd hired it from 31-07-1970 for the transportation of deer until it was parked up at Palmerston North in about October of 1971 with title passing to Fieldair Ltd on 29-05-1972
At Palmerston North 20-11-1972 still wearing Alpine Helicopters Ltd titles.
