Air New Zealand DC8 ZK-NZF Arriving Raratonga 1974

[linc43211]

@pullisto

You said that there was still one ex-Air NZ DC-8 remaining? I realise that you posted that information 3 years ago, but am wondering if you have any further information?

[mcdonnell220]

OUSTANDING! :-)

[Halvomeister]

She was owned till perhaps around 1982 by Evergreen International, then had a short life registered as N99862 with Cyprus Airways.

Sadly, she was broken up at Marana in January 1984, having put in 23 years of service.

[Halvomeister]

Yes, you're right. That took place on February 20th 1978 and the aircraft was damaged in the gun battle that took place. ZK-NZF was then returned to McDonnell-Douglas for repair and was later sold to Evergreen International where she was re-registered N804EV.Incidentally, this plane departed Air New Zealand's fleet as a trade-in, when the airline was purchasing DC-10's in 1976.

[MrSkaramanga]

incident you speak of was at LARNACA airport, to the south, where the Egyptian special forces decided to "intervene" in a hijacking without asking for permission to the Cyprus government. The Cyprus govt then permitted them to STAY at the airport (as a diplomatic move) but then grew tired of humoring the Egyptian forces there when they RUINED the entire negot. process and then the Greek Cypriot forces wound up in a shootout with the EGY S.F. the EGY S.F. got slaughtered, their C130 bombed too.

[MrSkaramanga]

Wow thats one of the last weeks that Nicosia operated. 3 weeks later the airport was bombed, straffed and the scene of numerous pitched battles between Greek and Turkish troops. Airport has not operated since July 20th 1974

[MrSkaramanga]

Turks had never captured the airport btw, despite wave after wave of attacks by 2200 troops. Thanks to the Greek Cypriot defenders and Greek B-Raiders (who arrived under secrecy on July 22 1974). This was the location of the single heaviest casualties for the turkish forces. The airport of course now is in the DMZ and is the UN HQ.

[Pullisto]

Great little bit of footage. As our first jetliner, the DC-8 represents a true quantum leap for New Zealand, being the most islated nation from rest of world. Today, just one of the ex Air NZ DC-8-52s survives long after the others have long gone, (ZK-NZC) and now she is under threat of scrap in Brazil. I'm trying to initiate interst to save this icon of our aviation, social and cultural heritage, just as the Aussies did with great foresight to save their first jet - 707 VH-EBA in 2006.

[rokcafella]

It would be great if we could do this, I agree. Peter Jackson has a keen interest in planes, I wonder if might be willing to help out?

[Pullisto]

Yes, very good thinking there. Though I tried him, but seems to be tied up with World War One. Also tried Air NZ, AIAL, CIAL, heritage minister Aunty Helen (the Ozzie one bailed money into the 707, realising it's significance, might try again and see what happens). I've had a few good accolades in reply, but not able to help, I'm afraid. Air NZ never bothered to reply at all, in my two submissions. So far though, a couple of retired Air NZ Captains are very keen on the idea and are helping out.

[coolspindrift]

What a beautifully designed and contoured airliner unlike many of the sterile looking, blunt-nosed airliners of today. Thanks for sharing.

[perabrown]

nice to see this vid my first trip over sea ever was in a air new zealand dc-8 shame their isnt more footage, i kick my self when you think off all those photos and film ive thrown away thinking they had no true value because they were back ground pics and film

[Halvomeister]

Coming up soon... A BAC-111 (Air Pacific)

[Halvomeister]

I don't think there's anymore DC8 footage but I have a box of reels to go through and there are definitely more aircraft to be found yet.

[Dez75]

Thats a real piece of history right there! Pity it didnt hsve sound hehe Thanks for sharin

[Dez75]

Wow what awesome footage! Where did that come from?

[Halvomeister]

My father's 1960's vintage Standard 8 Yamica camera. It ran on three penlight batteries and produced films that lasted 6 minutes. Still works today!