Douglas North Star

s/n 17501

m/d C-54GM / CL-2

c/n 108

Canadair

17501

RR Merlin 626

First new built North Star for RCAF. First flight on 14 July 1947, by Canadair pilots Lilly and Wickham. With No. 426 (T) Squadron by November 1947. Destroyed in ground fire on 22 July 1953 at Rockcliffe, while being operated by the Central Experimental & Proving Establishment. Was being loaded for flight into the north. Fire started in cargo hold, no injuries.
last update: 2024-December-25 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 426

s/n 17502

m/d C-54GM / CL-2

c/n 109

Canadair

17502

RR Merlin 626

First flight on 10 July 1947, by Canadair pilots Lilly and Milne. Serving with No. 426 (T) Squadron, RCAF Station Dorval, Quebec by November 1947, when it was first used for crew training. Operated in support of Iron Ore Company construction in Quebec and Labrador. Performed first North Star flight in support of UN operations in Korea, leaving McChord AFB on 27 July, arriving in Japan on 29 July 1950. With No. 426 (T) Squadron at RCAF Stations Dorval, Quebec and Trenton, Ontario. Also used by No. 4 Operational Training Unit at Trenton. Carried UN troops and supplies to Belgium Congo, in 1960. To Chile in June of 1960, for earthquake relief flights. To No. 107 (S&R) Unit at Torbay, Newfoundland, with SAR modifications. To the UK for SAR training exercise, October 1963. Stored at Mountain View, Ontario when struck off and sold. Sold to Transflorida Aviation on 28 January 1966. To civil register as CF-UXA, registered to Cavalier Aircraft of Canada. Operated from Sarasota and Miami, Florida on freight operations throughout Caribbean, by Air Caicos and later Air Turk. Last flight on 19 June 1975, when it was ferried from Miami to Sarasota to be scrapped. Scrapped in May 1976.
last update: 2024-December-25 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 426 | 1968 636

s/n 17503

m/d C-54GM / CL-2

c/n 110

Canadair

17503

RR Merlin 626

First flight 8 August 1947, by Canadair pilots Lilly and Anglin. Delivered to No. 112 (T) Flight, Rivers Camp, Manitoba in April 1949. With Transport Support School (Air) at CJATC, Rivers when it transported the North West Air Command Band from Edmonton to Trenton on 25 September 1949, returning to Edmonton on 1 October 1949. Also served with No. 426 (T) Squadron, RCAF Station Dorval, Quebec. Crashed on approach to Vancouver airport, on 30 December 1953, while with this unit. Was returning to Sea Island after engine failure, encountered heavy icing on descent. Stalled on short final, nose and starboard wing tip struck first. Starboard wing completely broken off. Came to rest upside down at end of runway. Passenger W/C R.W. McNair received Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct for helping survivors exit wreck, although soaked in fuel from initial crash. Only minor injuries to some of the 54 occupants.
last update: 2024-December-25 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 426

s/n 17504

m/d C-54GM / CL-4

c/n 111

Canadair

17504

RR Merlin 626

With No. 426 (T) Squadron by November 1947. Frequent trips to Japan, in support of Korea efforts, in 1951. Carried UN staff to South East Asia from Dorval 17 August to 6 September 1956. Stops included Beirut, Bahrain, Karachi, Calcutta, and Saigon. Carried Staff College tour across US 4 to 15 April 1957. Escorted T-33s to Turkey, in Operation Starflight, May 1958. Fitted with radar nose by June 1960. Carried UN troops and supplies to Belgian Congo, in 1960. Later to civil register as CF-VLW. Sold to D.D. Allyn of Sarasota, Florida on 28 September 1966. Flown to Sarasota, later scrapped there.
last update: 2024-December-25 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 426

s/n 17505

m/d C-54GM / CL-2

c/n 112

Canadair

17505

RR Merlin 626

Served with No. 426 (T) Squadron, RCAF Station Dorval, Quebec. Crashed while landing at Shemya AFB, Alaska on 27 December 1953 while attempting to land on snow covered runway, in 50 knot crosswind. Aircraft was blown off the runway while still at speed and broke up. No injuries.
last update: 2024-December-25 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 426

s/n 17506

m/d C-54GM / CL-2

c/n 113

Canadair

17506

RR Merlin 626

Operated in support of Iron Ore Company construction in Quebec and Labrador. Made third North Star trip into Korea, 16/18 November 1951. Carried UN troops and supplies to Belgiuan Congo, in 1960, with No. 426 (T) Squadron. Made last official RCAF North Star flight on 8 December 1965, flying from Downsview to Trenton. Stored at Mountain View, Ontario when struck off. Sold to Trans Florida Aviation in 1966, ferried to Sarasota, Florida, later scrapped there.
last update: 2024-December-25 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 426

s/n 17507

m/d C-54GM / CL-2

c/n 114

Canadair

17507

RR Merlin 626

With No. 426 (T) Squadron by January 1948, originally carrying red and blue roundels. Operated in support of Iron Ore Company construction in Quebec and Labrador. With No. 426 (T) Squadron at RCAF Stations Dorval, Quebec and Trenton, Ontario. Also used by No. 4 Operational Training Unit at Trenton. Carried UN troops and supplies to Belgium Congo, in 1960. Later to No. 107 (SAR) Unit at RCAF Station Torbay, Newfoundland, with SAR modifications. Stored at Mountain View, Ontario when struck off. To civil register as CF-UOY, sold to Trans Florida Aviation in October 1966. Sold to Fuerza Aerea Salvadorena in December 1967, their serial number FAS-300, later YS-27C. Withdrawn from use by 1970. Stored outdoors at Ilopango Airport, El Salvador for many years, seen there c.1980.
last update: 2024-December-25 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 426 | 1968 636

s/n 17508

m/d C-54GM / CL-2

c/n 115

Canadair

17508

RR Merlin 626

Damaged by ground fire during refueling at Watson Lake, Yukon on 19 December 1949, repaired. With No. 426 (T) Squadron at RCAF Stations Dorval, Quebec and Trenton, Ontario. Carried UN troops and supplies to Belgium Congo, in 1960. Fitted with radar nose by end of 1960. Used by No. 4 (T) Operational Training Unit at Trenton, dates unknown. Took part in type retirement ceremony at Trenton in 1965. Stored at Mountain View, Ontario when struck off. Sold to D.D. Allyn 28 September 1966. Ferried to Sarasota, Florida, later scrapped there.
last update: 2024-December-25 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 426

s/n 17509

m/d C-54GM / CL-2

c/n 116

Canadair

17509

RR Merlin 626

Served with No. 426 (T) Squadron, RCAF Station Dorval, Quebec. Struck hill top during instrument approach to Ashiya, Japan on 19 April 1951. Landed successfully at Ashiya on 2 engines. Still with this unit in 1956, when it delivered mail to RCAF stations in Europe. Transport missions to DEW Line sites summer of 1958, including flight over North Pole 2 June 1958 en route from Resolute to Thule. Damaged by fire at RCAF Station Trenton, Ontario on 24 March 1960. Was being ground run by No. 6 Repair Depot, jumped chocks and struck ground equipment. Aircraft was ferried to St. Jean, Quebec, and scrapped there.
last update: 2024-December-25 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 426

s/n 17510

m/d C-54GM / CL-2

c/n 117

Canadair

17510

RR Merlin 626

Accepted by No. 426 (T) Squadron, RCAF Station Dorval, Quebec at Canadair on 11 February 1948. Carried UN troops and supplies to Belgian Congo, in 1960. Fitted with radar nose by end of 1960. Used by No. 107 (S&R) Unit at RCAF Station Torbay, Newfoundland, with SAR modifications. Stored at Mountain View, Ontario when sold. Sold to Trans Florida Aviation on 28 January 1966, registered as CF-UXB. Operated from Sarasota and Miami, Florida on freight operations throughout Caribbean, by Air Caicos and later Air Turk. Damaged in landing accident at Sarasota on 17 September 1971, later scrapped there. Had 21,674 logged time when scrapped.
last update: 2024-December-25 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 426 | 1968 636

s/n 17511

m/d C-54GM / CL-2

c/n 118

Canadair

17511

RR Merlin 626

Accepted by No. 426 (T) Squadron, RCAF Station Dorval, Quebec at Canadair on 17 February 1948. Located downed USAF F-84 near Watson Lake, Yukon on 7 January 1950, dropped survival gear. Several flights to Korea, with UN flag marked on tail. Struck by lightning on 22 March 1955, damaged starboard aileron. Took part in Operation Western Weal, escorting 12 ex-RCAF T-33s to Turkey, fall of 1959. Carried UN troops and supplies to Belgiuan Congo, in 1960. In storage at Mountain View, Ontario when struck off. Sold to Samuel S. Sigal Enterprises on 30 October 1963. Scrapped shortly after being struck off.
last update: 2024-December-25 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 426

s/n 17512

m/d C-54GM / CL-2

c/n 119

Canadair

17512

RR Merlin 626

Served with No. 426 (T) Squadron, RCAF Station Dorval, Quebec. Set record for non-stop trans-Canada flight, 14-15 January 1949, Vancouver to Halifax in 8:32 flying time. Made 4th and final North Star trip into Korea, 11 December 1951. Carried UN flag above RCAF fin flash by February 1952. At Watson Lake, Yukon for cold weather trials early 1950s. To Greenland for Operation Re-supply in April 1952. Carried UN troops and supplies to Belgian Congo, in 1960. To Chile in June of 1960, for earthquake relief flights. Sold to Samuel S. Sigal Enterprises on 30 October 1963. Scrapped shortly after being struck off.
last update: 2024-December-25 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 426

s/n 17513

m/d C-54GM / CL-2

c/n 120

Canadair

17513

RR Merlin 626

Used for icing research, named "Rockcliffe Ice Wagon". Operated by Central Experimental & Proving Establishment, in joint effort with National Research Council. Category B damage on 4 January 1951. Returned to transport configuration, delivered to RCAF Station Lachine (Dorval), Quebec. Destroyed in hanger fire at Dorval, Quebec on 19 March 1956.
last update: 2024-December-25 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 426

s/n 17514

m/d C-54GM / CL-2

c/n 121

Canadair

17514

RR Merlin 626

With No. 426 (T) Squadron at RCAF Stations Dorval, Quebec and Trenton, Ontario. To Greenland for Operation Re-supply in April 1952. Fitted briefly with belly radar installation in late 1950s. Delivered nerve gas from Baltimore, USA to Suffield, Alberta, June 1959. Carried UN troops and supplies to Belgium Congo, in 1960. Later to civil register as CF-SVP-X. Operated by National Aeronautical Establishment with extensive magnetic survey gear. Used to map earth's magnetic field, and to develop anti-submarine detection gear. Last airworthy North Star. Last working flight on 8 May 1975, on behalf of the National Aeronautical Establishment. Later to Crown Assets for disposal, offered for sale from November 1978. Purchased by Aircraft Salvage of Dallas, Texas in February 1979. Sold to Miami based company. Operated in Caribbean until about 1980 as N8022L. Allegedly used in smuggling operations. Scrapped early 1980s at Greater Inagua Island.
last update: 2024-December-25 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 426 | 1968 635

s/n 17515

m/d C-54GM / CL-2

c/n 122

Canadair

17515

RR Merlin 626

With No. 426 (T) Squadron at RCAF Stations Dorval, Quebec and Trenton, Ontario. Lost dingy from port wing storage in turbulence on 9 May 1950. Carried flood relief gear from Dorval to Winnipeg in late May 1950. Struck by lightning near North Battleford, Saskatchewan on 8 May 1953. Carried UN troops and supplies to Belgium Congo, in 1960. Fitted with radar nose by early 1960s. Took part in North Star stand down ceremony at RCAF Station Trenton, Ontario on 8 December 1965. Donated to the National Aeronautical Collection. Still on Canadian Forces books. Stored outdoors at Rockcliffe for many years. Undergoing volunteer restoration in 2013.
last update: 2024-December-25 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 426

s/n 17516

m/d C-54GM / CL-2

c/n 123

Canadair

17516

RR Merlin 626

Served with No. 426 (T) Squadron, RCAF Station Dorval, Quebec in 1949. To Europe, via south Atlantic, in May of that year, one of several south Atlantic training flights carried out by the Squadron that spring. Seen at Dakar in June 1949 on return from this flight. Carried UN troops and supplies to Belgium Congo, in 1960 and 1961. Used by Central Navigation School in 1961 for navigation training flights over the North Pole. Returned to Nellis AFB on 17 September 1962, following engine failure. In storage at Mountain View, Ontario when struck off. Sold to D. D. Allyn on 28 September 1966. Later to civil register as CF-VLZ. Ferried to Sarasota, Florida, scrapped there.
last update: 2024-December-25 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 426 | 1968 636

s/n 17517

m/d C-54GM / CL-2

c/n 124

Canadair

17517

RR Merlin 626

With No. 426 (T) Squadron, RCAF Station Lachine (Dorval), Quebec, when it carried VIPs on Artic tour in April 1949. Back to Resolute, NWT again in July 1949. Carried flood relief gear from Dorval to Winnipeg in May 1950. Made first 2 North Star flights into Korea, on 11/12 May and 7/8 June 1951. Carried royal baggage during royal tour of July 1959, fitted with radar nose by then. Operated between Key West and Panama in fall of 1960, in support of relief efforts in Chile, following earthquake there. Carried UN troops and supplies to Belgium Congo, in 1960 and 1961, with No. 426 (T) Squadron. Stored at Mountain View, Ontario when struck off. Sold to Samuel S. Sigal Enterprises on 30 October 1963. Probably scrapped shortly after being struck off.
last update: 2024-December-25 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 426

s/n 17518

m/d C-54GM / CL-2

c/n 102

Canadair

17518

RR Merlin 626

Built as DC-4M-1, loaned to TCA as CF-TEK from 19 November 1946. TCA fleet number 84/184. Converted to C-54GM before return to RCAF. Flew first RCAF scheduled trans Atlantic North Star flight on 15 April 1947?. Delivered on 20 April 1949, used by No. 412 (T) Squadron, RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario. Modified with 34 seat VIP interior, extra window in cargo door, and APU. Carried out round the world flight, 2 January to 6 February 1950. Still with 412 Squadron when it moved to RCAF Station Uplands in the summer of 1955. Fitted with radar nose by 1958. Carried 16 air attaches to Rivers Camp, Manitoba on 19 October 1961. Still with this unit when withdrawn from use in 1962. At Aircraft Industries at St. Jean, Quebec when struck off.
last update: 2024-December-25 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 426 | 1968 636

s/n 17519

m/d DC-4M1 / CL-2

c/n 103

Canadair

17519

RR Merlin 626

Built as DC-4M-1. Loaned to Trans Canada Airlines on 17 June 1947. Registered as CF-TEL, their fleet number 85/185. Used by No. 426 (T) Squadron after return to RCAF. Still in TCA markings when it crashed at Sydney, NS on 12 August 1948.
last update: 2024-December-25 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 426 | 1968 636

s/n 17520

m/d C-54GM / CL-2

c/n 104

Canadair

17520

RR Merlin 626

Built as DC-4M-1. Loaned to Trans Canada Airlines from 21 January 1947. Registered as CF-TEM, fleet number 86/186. Flew first TCA trans Atlantic North Star flight, on 15 April 1947. Converted to C-54GM before delivery to RCAF. With No. 426 (T) Squadron, RCAF Station Dorval, Quebec in April 1949, with VIP interior. Carried Minister of External Affairs to UK that month. Carried Prime Minister St. Laurent to Banff, Alberta and return, 1 - 6 September 1949. Later with No. 412 (T) Squadron at RCAF Station Uplands, Ontario. Carried tour group from Imperial Defense College to Whitehorse, Yukon and Vancouver, BC in August 1951. Carried Governor General Alexander to Tokyo and return in June 1952. Carried load of VIPs, including Governor General V. Massey, over North Pole on 24 March 1956. Carried A/C Carpenter from Goose Bay to Ottawa June 1961. Carried foreign diplomats on northern tour October 1961. Crashed on 1 February 1962, shortly after takeoff from Hall Beach, NWT. Was carrying VIPs on Dew Line inspection. Inboard engines both failed at 500 feet on take off. Third engine began to lose oil pressure while holding for weather improvement. Crashed while attempting single engine landing with 30 mph crosswind, ceiling obscured and half mile visibility in blowing snow. No fatalities. Improper engine warm up had lead to internal damage on all engines, resulting in gradual loss of oil pressure. No injuries. Spar cracked during salvage attempts, and aircraft written off.
last update: 2024-December-25 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 426 | 1968 636

s/n 17521

m/d C-54GM / CL-2

c/n 105

Canadair

17521

RR Merlin 626

Built as DC-4M-1. Loaned to Trans Canada Airlines from 10 February 1947. Registered as CF-TEO, fleet number 87/187. Converted to C-54GM before delivery to RCAF. Returned to RCAF on 31 October 1949. Used by No. 426 and No. 412 Squadrons. Carried UN troops and supplies to Belgian Congo, in 1960 and 1961, with No. 426 Squadron. Stored at Mountain View, Ontario when struck off. Sold to Samuel E. Sigal Enterprises Ltd. on 30 October 1963. Probably scrapped shortly after being struck off.
last update: 2024-December-25 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 426 | 1968 636

s/n 17522

m/d C-54GM / CL-2

c/n 106

Canadair

17522

RR Merlin 626

Built as DC-4M-1, loaned to Trans Canada Airlines from 20 March 1047. Their registration CF-TEP, fleet number 88/188. Converted to C-54GM before delivery to RCAF. Loaned to Canadian Pacific Airlines in 1949, used for route proving flights to Shanghai, China. Back to RCAF on 15 August 1949. Operated by No. 426 (T) Squadron. With No. 4 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Station Dorval, Quebec in 1952. Crashed near RAF North Luffenham on 8 May 1954, while with No. 4 OTU. Had diverted to Luffenham for precautionary landing, touched down 75 feet short of runway. Struck mound of clay and concrete, landing gear driven up into wing. Aircraft came to rest on runway, leaking fuel, but no fire. No injuries. Classified as Category B damage, but not repaired. Cockpit reported stored at Buffalo Airways, Red Deer, Alberta in 2007.
last update: 2024-December-25 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 426 | 1968 636

s/n 17523

m/d C-54GM / CL-2

c/n 107

Canadair

17523

RR Merlin 626

Built as DC-4M-1, loaned to Trans Canada Airlines from 28 March 1047. Their registration CF-TEQ, fleet number 89/189. Converted to C-54GM before delivery to RCAF. Returned to RCAF on 25 June 1949. Operated by No. 426 (T) Squadron. Destroyed in crash while taking off from Resolute NWT on 15 March 1951. Aircraft started to swing on icy runway in crosswinds, pilot ordered "pull it off" and rotated, flight engineer misunderstood and closed throttles at same time. No injuries.
last update: 2024-December-25 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 426 | 1968 636

s/n 17524

as/n 10000

m/d C-5 / CL-5

c/n 171

Canadair

17524

PW R-2800

First flight on 15 May 1950, by Canadair pilots A. Lilly and B. Longhurst. Taken on strength date also reported as 6 June 1950? Last North Star airframe, paid for in part with insurance money from crash of CF-TEL. Sole C-5 VIP Equipped interior with 24 seats. With No. 412 (T) Squadron at RCAF Station Uplands, Ontario. One of first VIP flights was 6-12 July 1950, transporting Prime Minster St. Laurent to Saskatoon, Calgary and return, with Canadair pilot Al Lilly as instructor pilot. See RCAF 10000 for subsequent history.
Operated by No. 412 (T) Squadron when renumbered. Carried Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip on Canadian tour, fall of 1951. Carried Canadian Governor General Vincent Massey to and from London-Heathrow, UK for funeral of King George V in February 1952. Round the world flight 19 August to 12 September 1957, carrying Hon. J.M. MacDonnell to Malaysian independence ceremonies. 17 stops, including Ceylon, 104:45 flying time. Carried Governor General V. Massey to Barbados on 25 February 1958. Carried Princess Margaret on western Canada tour July 1958. Carried Lord Mountbatten Ottawa to Vancouver on 8 October 1958. Carried Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip on western Canada tour June and July 1959. Carried Hon. Dinsdale to Namao, BC and return June 1961. Carried Prime Minister Diefenbaker and party on northern tour July 1961. Interior refurbished mid 1960s for $343,000. Last official flight was training mission to Bermuda 13/14 April 1966. Ferried to Mountain View to await disposal 30 April 1966. Had 1,500:00 airframe time when struck off. Sold into US for $49,000, registered as N17599. Ferried to Long Beach, California shortly after being sold, scrapped there. Purchaser reportedly was unable to obtain FAA airworthiness certificate.
last update: 2024-December-25 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 426

s/n 17525

m/d C-54GM / CL-2

c/n 101

Canadair

17525

RR Merlin 626

First North Star built. First flight on 1 July 1946, at Cartierville, Quebec. Built as DC-4M-1, registered CF-TEN-X. Used extensively for company trials and certification testing. converted to C-54GM before delivery to RCAF. At RCAF Sea Island in 1951, used by No. 121 and No. 123 Flights for VIP transportation. With No. 426 (T) Squadron at RCAF Station Dorval, Quebec in 1956. Seen at London, UK in March 1957, fitted with radar nose by then. Crashed on 21 June 1959 on approach to Athens-Athinai airport. Struck sea wall on short final. Damaged caused fuel leak, aircraft destroyed by fire. No injuries.
last update: 2024-December-25 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 426 | 1968 636

s/n TCA223

as/n CF-TFW

m/d DC4-M2

c/n 150

Canadair

TCA 223

last update: 2025-March-10