It has been mankind's desire from the beginning of existence to explore the skies, to know what the birds get to enjoy as they flit around, lazily teasing those of us bound to the earth. Enter the industrial age, enter the wright brothers and their aircraft.
Over the years airplanes have seen various modifications in their designs and purpose ranging from supersonic fighter jets that are difficult to track to the lazy cargo planes that can carry several tones of cargo in flight and although planes get to fly so high and enjoy the winds on their wings, it’s quite sad to see these proud machines sitting abandoned and isolated in some of the most unusual places.
The lucky planes are meet their demise at an airplane graveyard, surrounded by their fellow buddies, others don’t. they lie forgotten in deserts and forests, places where eyes can hardly find them. Here are some photos of abandoned planes.
15 Antonov An-2
The Antonov holds the record for the aircraft with the longest production life of 45 years and, although it flew slowly, it was in high demand because it could handle extremely bad weather. But of all the Antonov AN-2 that were used in the late ’90s, only one remains operational today, wrecked Antonov’s lie in several abandoned airfields today.
14 MiG-25PU
In 1964, the Mikoyan Gurevich -25, Entered the Russian Cold war efforts. This formidable plane was designed to intercept American fighter planes and could reach speeds up to Mach 3.2. The MiG served Russia well and still holds several aviation records but sadly it had to be discontinued in 1984. Over one thousand MiG’s were produced.
13 Douglas C-47
The Douglas C-47 was a large military transport aircraft used to carry supplies and paratroopers during the war. We may never know why the Douglas pictured above was abandoned at the secret Zeljava Airforce base in Croatia. Douglas Aircraft company must be proud that their planes played an important role in the American war efforts.
12 Cessna 185
You must have seen this one in a lot of movies. This sad looking Cessna with the broken tail is tied down at Peter O. Knight Airfield, Florida. The Cessna 185 could go as fast as 287 km/hr, seat six people and still have room for cargo. By the time production stopped in 1985, almost 4,500 Cessna had been produced.
11 C-47 Cargo Plane
The photo of this wrecked plane was taken by a German Photographer, Dietmar Eckell and although the plane appears to be at peace with the mountains, we can’t begin to imagine if they were any survivors or how they must’ve felt as the plane came crashing down.
10 WW2 Iceland DC-3
This WW2 plane ended its life on the Black Beach, in the south of Iceland. History has it that this white plane crash-landed on a black beach near the blue sea. No one lost their lives, no thanks to the pilot. We loved the time we spent checking this plane out, feel free to check this site out yourself.
9 Soviet An-12
The Antonov 12 was the military transport plane of the Soviets and carried the cargo and paratroopers of the Soviet Airforce. Whenever you have the liberty to fly to Bagram airport Afghanistan, try to visit and maybe take a picture or two with this graffiti-covered airplane sitting on tanks and feeling totally lonely.
8 737 In Bali
We’re still curious as to how a 737 could find itself between a wall and forest, let alone be abandoned there. It continues to be one of the weirdest side attraction for tourists in Bali. This plane happens to be in an abandoned quarry that also serves as a climbing destination for tourists.
7 Alaskan Aircraft
This Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter on May 7th, 2004, headed for the Fairbanks Airport with Cargo from Ganes Creek Airport. One of its engines failed along the way resulting in an explosion and a crash. Luckily the two crew members on board survived. Form the image we can see the damaged left-wing and the rocky terrain the plane landed on.
6 The Convair B-58 Hustler
The jet fighter, the Corvair B-58 Hustler was a real hustler. It could attain speeds up to Mach 2, less than 120 units were produced during the cold war. This B-58 now stands alone, abandoned in a desert, such a poor reward for an aircraft that served its country well.
5 1965 Aero Commander 1121
You can currently see this 1965 Aero Commander 1121 in the McVille Airport, Pennsylvania. The Aero Commander is a narrow-body aircraft that has seen several military and civilian uses. Nowadays these narrow-body planes are mostly used by managers of big companies. That being the case with Aero Commanders we wonder why this one was just left at the McVille.
4 Beechcraft 18
If any of these days you find yourself in New Hampshire, make sure you ask about this Beechcraft 18 which is pretty much abandoned when a lot of its colleagues are still very much in use. It’s quite humbling that something that had once enjoyed a lot of fly time now sits low with the bushes.
3 Beechcraft 65-80
Here’s another abandoned Beechcraft. At least this time it was abandoned in a hangar, safe from the harsh weather and all. This piece of air-engine served as the predecessor of the King Air Series, a highly successful turboprop aircraft. Rest easy brave one.
2 P-40 Warhawk
This Pursuit-40 Warhawk was abandoned in one of the hot deserts of Africa. These aircraft first saw action in the Pearl Harbor during the attack only a handful could get into the air. Presumably, this speed-driven aircraft was in hot pursuit when it crashed in the desert.
1 Soviet Ilyushin Il-76 Cargo Plane
This Humongous Soviet Cargo plane was specially designed to navigate unpaved roads but instead of fulfilling its purpose, it’s currently enduring the onslaught of the desert sun and sand. It seems to have been there for a long time because the wheels have sunk into the sands. It’s quite strange that it stands near the Umm Al Quwain’s Barracuda Resort.