Alaska Wien C-170

[counsellj]

Searching google with the subject line produces a photo of C-170A setting on a beach getting loaded. I am wondering if anyone has any historical info, pictures or data relating to C-170's operating with the airlines that eventually merged to become Alaska Airlines. Unfortunately I don't have easy access to the Alaska Heritage Museum at this time.

Thanks

Jughead

[zenpilot]

Bearing Air was running a 170B as part of their fleet out of Nome last time I was up there. I was in a rush, so didn't stop to poke around and ask questions. Not sure if this is relevant to your question or not...

KW

[MoonlightVFR]

Noel Wein flew a C170 among a large number of unique airplanes he piloted.

I think he had a forced landing due to engine quit running. It was reported and some photos may have been taken. I have never seen them published.

I was always curious as to why the engine stopped since I fly a C170.

[n2582d]

This picture shows Wien's N9060A being flipped back right side up. Note the damage to the top of the rudder. Could it be that this accident was the end result of an engine failure? Seeing that it is a factory paint scheme it is most likely this picture was taken prior to the one with it painted black and yellow.

[blueldr]

Back in about 1950, a Wein pilot made a forced landing in a straight C-170 up north of Fairbanks along the Yukon River With two rather elderly passengers and, I think, a case of eggs. As I remember it, the pax were a botanist, or some such, and his wife and they had an interesting day or two of exploration before being rescued.There were no remembered injuries.
Some Wein mechanics jury rigged repairs and flew the airplane out to Fairbanks a few days later.
Some of you Alaska guys might check with Cliff Everts of "Everts Air Fuels". He might remember it, since he used to work for Wein in those days.

[hilltop170]

Jughead-
I have a good friend up here in Alaska that worked for Wien back in the day, shoot me a PM and I'll give you his contact info.

[mit]

I will just ask Ricard Wien next time I see him. The caption says Wiseman and the rudder doesn't look damaged to me it is just turned.

[hilltop170]

?............and the rudder doesn't look damaged to me it is just turned.

I agree, looks like it just nosed over onto the prop. If it had gone all the way over, one or both struts probably would have buckled, plus the rudder would have been crunched. The picture can be blown up in the frame just above the picture for better detail.

[Green Bean]

"C-170's operating with the airlines that eventually merged to become Alaska Airlines",

Cordova Airlines was the only operation to have Cessna 170 aircraft, to merged with Alaska Airlines in 1968,

Wien, later to become Wien Air Alaska, operated a fleet of Cessna aircraft, from the C38 Airmaster-1938, C-140-1945, C195-1947, C170-1948,Cessna Bushmaster-1950, C180-1955, C185-1961. Hudson Air Service was another operation that flew the Cessna 170B, from the early 1950,s until mid-80's.

N2526D was purchased at the factory in 1952 for and flown in service by Cordova Airlines, in the Copper River-Cordova area until the late 50's or early 60's. It was sold and flown out of Anchorage by a lodge owner for 30 years. In the early 90s it was sold and now is flying mostly on floats in Minnesota.

[counsellj]

Green Bean

Thank you for your information.

Jughead

[stogie17]

N2526D operated out of Cordova by Mudhole Smith and bought by his chief pilot and then purchased by Mike Vivion. i recently purchased plane from Mike and am very excited to get it back to Fairbanks this spring.

[counsellj]

Stogie17

Congrats on bringing a classic back to Alaska.

[mit]

N2526D operated out of Cordova by Mudhole Smith and bought by his chief pilot and then purchased by Mike Vivion. i recently purchased plane from Mike and am very excited to get it back to Fairbanks this spring.

It will be good to see it again! I can't believe Mike sold it he must be loosing his mind!

[beaverbill]

Stogie17
I have N2435D which was also first owned by Cordova Airlines. When you get your 170 to Fairbanks, let me know. It would be fun to compare airplanes histories.
Bill

[stogie17]

I am dying to get N2526D flying and get back to FAI. Plan to ferry up March with friend. I am stuck in SW Alabama unloading house, trucks, boat, etc (to pay for plane)for full time move to Fairbanks. Have been really enjoying the forum and useful info. I am retired Temsco Heli pilot with little fix wing time so lot to learn. Been all over AK since 1980 so at least know the country. It was too nice a plane to pass up and I learned you can't be in the interior with no wings.