Basler delivers two new BT-67s
Earlier this week, on 23 January 2025, the most recently finished BT-67s left the facilities of Basler Turbo Conversions in Oshkosh (WI). From Oshkosh the planes flew in formation to Tullahoma (TN).
The aircraft concerned are N1350A (MSN 68) and N941AT (MSN 69). Both machines are finished in the same grey colours without any markings. One can only speculate on the identity of their owner. Some sources suggest that N1350A and N941AT are both destined for covert (CIA?) operations.
Before its conversion into BT-67 N1350A started its life as a USAAF TC-47B-30-DK with serial 44-76700 76700 (MSN 16285/33032) which was delivered in April 1945.
After decommisioning the plane was sold to Iberia as EC-ASH in November 1962. Four years later Iberia sold it to the Ejército del Aire (EdA, Spanish AF) as T.3-63.
In October 1981 the Dak was sold to Kerns Aircraft Electronics, South Bend (OR) as N1350A. Next owners were Professional Flyers Inc, Wilmington, DE and thereafter Baron Aviation Services Inc.
N941AT is a true WW II veteran. It was delivered to the USAAF as 42-93040 (MSN 12907) on 31 March 1944. Initially taken up by the Eighth Air Force, it went to the inventory of the Nineth Air Force on 9 May 1944, serving the 434th Troop Carrier Group based at Aldermaston (Station 467).
It towed a glider transporting men and materials for the 101st Airborne Division to a landing zone at Hiesville, Normandy, France on Mission ‘Keokuk’ on 6 June 1944 and Mission ‘Galveston’ one day later.
After the war ended the Dak went to Pioneer Airlines as NC54366 only to return to the USAF as C-117C on 1 March 1952. It was sold to the City of New Orleans Mosquito Control as N6666A in 1967. After serving there, it went to Air Tejas as N941AT in 1995. It served as a cargoplane flying out of its homebase, Gainesville Municipal Airport (TX). It was finally stored at Gainesville (TX) until it was acquired by Basler.
Opening photo by Basler Turbo Conversions, photos bottom by Gert Jan Mentink