Northern Air Cargo used to be the largest operator of DC-6s in the region, but this dynasty is quickly coming to an end. Only two are operational out of Anchorage now and seven are sitting in Fairbanks apparently out of hours, with another grounded example sitting in Anchorage which looks like its used as an engine test bed.

The facility at Fairbanks has all but closed to daily operations with activity now being concentrated out of Anchorage and moving into the jet ago, with three ex Delta Boeing 737-200s apparently sealing the fate of the remaining DC-6s, which we were told would be retired next year.

One 737 has been fitted with a gravel kit in an attempt to at least emulate the DC-6 operations I would guess, but this modification has yet to be used in anger.

Of the seven DC-6s at Fairbanks one (N434TA) is a now rare DC-6B Swing-Tailed version.