WIX Archives

Antarctic Planes

Posted by Graham Orphan on Mon Oct 15, 2001 08:27:23 AM

Continuing from the earlier thread re Lincoln Ellsworth's Antarctic exploration journeys, in 1938/39 he returned to the deep south, again aboard the trusty Wyatt Earp this time with two aircraft. One was the Northrop Delta,the other was an Aeronca 'K', the first lightplane to fly in the Antarctic. As with all his machines, both aircraft carried the name 'Polar Star' and both ended up in Australia, the Delta being impressed by the RAAF during WW-II and the Aeronca beginning a long civilian career in Australia. By a range of twists my father acquired the aircraft and has since decided I should have it (and restore it). One thing I have never seen is a decent photograph of the Aeronca on the ice and I'd be keen to find out if any exists. If anyone can assist in this regard I'd be thrilled. The intention is to restore the aircraft (originally NC18888) to airworthiness although there are several more exotic machines ahead of it in the restoration queue. Interestingly, Ellsworth was given the Aeronca by a member of the Vandebuilt family who had it fitted with floats and used it for aerial duck shooting! With a 36 foot wingspan, floats, and just 36 hp from its E-113 engine, I would have thought most reasonably fit ducks would have left it well behind!

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