Douglas DC-6B used as a water bomber to put out fires.
Its history is quite tragic.
What happened
Date: July 16, 1986.
Situation: There was a large forest fire that started in Le Perthus (France) and crossed the border to La Jonquera.
Plane: A French Douglas DC-6B that was participating in the extinguishing work.
Conditions: A very strong north wind was blowing, which made the fire and flights very difficult.
The plane discharged water but a gust of wind destabilized it.
It ended up crashing in the Albera mountain range, near Requesens.
All 4 crew members on board died.
The names of the crew were:
Jean Pierre Davenat (pilot)
Jacques Ogier (co-pilot)
Roland Denard (mechanic)
Jack Le Bel (assistant)
Why it is still there
The remains were never completely removed.
The plane was scattered in a wooded area that was difficult to access.
Over time, it became a curious point of excursion and memory of the fire.
When you get there, you can still see:
the tail of the plane,
parts of the fuselage,
some engines,
and a commemorative plaque for the crew.
Fun fact
The Douglas DC-6 is a four-engine plane from the 40s-50s that was used for passengers or cargo, but some were converted into firefighting planes with water or retardant tanks.
