Registration #: 17515 (RCAF)
Manufacturer: Canadair Ltd., Canada
Manufacture Date: 1948
Construction #: 122
Acquisition Date: 1966
Provenance: Transfer from RCAF
The Canada Aviation Museum specimen was
manufactured in 1948 and served with 426 Squadron RCAF until 1962. It
was transferred to the museum in 1966. (CAM Photo)
North Star 17515
- excerpt from CANADIAN WINGS, Edited by
Stephen Payne
The Canada Aviation Museum's North Star
(No. 17515) was delivered to the Royal Canadian Air Force in March 1948.
Prior to the Korean War, it had engaged in many tasks at home, including
support of the Red River flood relief operations in 1950. When Operation
Hawk began, this aircraft joined the Pacific route.
Even a transport airplane could have
adventures, and it was no exception. On September 8, 1950, en route from
McChord Field, Washington, to Elmendorf Field in Alaska with a full
complement of soldiers aboard, one engine failed, then another. Wing
Commander C.H. Mussells dumped fuel and made an emergency landing at
Sandspit, in the Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia. A day later,
with passengers and cargo unloaded, Mussells succeeded in taking off on
three engines. Final repairs were effected and by September 10, the
aircraft was back on duty, embarking with another load for the far side
of the ocean.
Until July 1962, 17515 was a participant
in No. 426 Squadron's many tasks, from northern resupply to U.N.
peacekeeping. It then became a transport trainer. On December8,
1965, it was one of two North Stars that took part in a ceremonial
"stand down" of the type. Two weeks later it became part of Canada's
national aeronautical collection and parked at Rockcliffe until it could
be housed in the new wing of the Canada Aviation Museum.
Project
North Star Newsletter
(current and archives)
North Star Primer by Drew Hodge
