Exploring a 1950 Plane Wreck with an Unsolved Mystery…
The Mystery of the Douglas C-47 and a Journey to Relive History
On February 7, 1950, a Douglas C-47 carrying 10 people took off on a search mission for a missing aircraft, the Douglas C-54. None of them could have imagined they would soon become the target of a rescue mission themselves.
My journey took me to the Ruby Range near Haines Junction, Yukon, where the wreckage of that fateful C-47 still rests after more than 70 years. With my loyal companion, Rocco, I set out to explore this forgotten piece of history, turning it into an overnight camping adventure.
The Ascent into the Mountains
A friend provided me with GPS coordinates, but getting there was another challenge. Satellite images revealed an ATV trail covering more than half the journey—about 20km into the mountains.
The first stretch was easy, with no signs of bears, but the terrain soon turned treacherous—thick mud and hidden bogs that could trap me knee-deep. My electric bike took me as far as possible before I had to abandon it, trusting Rocco to remember the exact location.
Camping in the Wild
As the sun set, I found an ideal camping spot near a stream. Still, I debated whether to push forward in search of shelter. There was none—just endless mountains and an eerie silence.
That night, the fear of bears kept me alert, but a podcast by Andrew Huberman eventually lulled me to sleep.
Reaching the Crash Site
The next morning, I packed only essentials and left camp behind. The toughest part lay ahead—a steep 600m climb across rugged terrain. If the missing C-54 were ever found, it would make global headlines.
The landscape was hauntingly beautiful—vast, untouched, and strangely resembling the pixelated graphics of an old Nintendo 64 game.
After hours of strenuous hiking, I finally saw it—the C-47, frozen in time.
Tragedy and Survival
The aircraft had been searching for the C-54 when it encountered severe weather—thick fog and sudden downdrafts sent it crashing into the mountainside. Miraculously, all 10 aboard survived, though some suffered severe injuries. A propeller blade pierced the fuselage, shattering a crew member’s leg—a fatal scenario under most conditions.
With temperatures dropping to -40°C, rescue teams located them within three days. Later, the U.S. Air Force salvaged key components, including both Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp engines. Evidence of this dismantling remains—the cockpit wasn’t destroyed by impact but was later cut away.
Among the debris, I found a metal plate stamped: Pratt & Whitney Aircraft – Twin Wasp – Tonawanda, New York.
Reflections and Return
I spent another day absorbing the history before heading back. Gazing at the rusted wreckage, I couldn’t help but wonder—if the lost C-54 were ever found, would it look the same?
Taking my time instead of rushing through a single-day trek was the right choice. Slowing down allowed me to truly connect with the past.
Back at my van, a few cold beers awaited me in the fridge—the perfect reward for an unforgettable journey.
