Although CF-NAL has lost the nosecone for its weather radar, the CANAIRELIEF nose markings remain. The high grass conceals the fact that both aircraft still stand on their undercarriages. In the foreground may be seen the wing of a derelict locally-registered DC-3.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Douglas DC-3 / C-47 Skytrain/С-53 Skytrooper / Dakota - СШАUSA - 1935Lockheed Super Constellation L-1049 / C-121C - СШАUSA - 1951

Against a backdrop of palm trees and the warm Atlantic, Lockheed Super Constellation CF-NAM slowly rots away. Amazingly, the engines are still installed, but much of the blue-top Biafran camouflage scheme has weathered away. The legend CANAIRELIEF is still visible, as is the nose legend “OPERATED FOR JOINT CHURCH”. In October 1969 CF-NAM sustained shrapnel damage at Uli strip; although it was flown out the same night, it was declared irreparable back on the island. However, when sister aircraft CF-NAK received a direct hit at Uli on December 17, 1969, a decision was taken to restore ’NAM using spares flown in from Canada. The Super Connie made a successful test flight on January 17, 1970, but the war had ended three days earlier and the short trip proved to be its final flight.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed Super Constellation L-1049 / C-121C - СШАUSA - 1951

Canadian engineers stored a spare engine inside the fuselage of CF-NAL ready for departure. It has remained there, although a dire shortage of building materials has led local villagers to remove just about every internal panel. Even the aircraft’s windows have been removed to replace the broken windows of nearby houses.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed Super Constellation L-1049 / C-121C - СШАUSA - 1951

For more than a year Jakob Ringler served as an assistant to Fr Tony Byrne, the Irish Holy Ghost priest who almost single-handedly established the CARITAS Sao Tome relief airlift to Biafra. It was a moment charged with emotion as, 30 years on, Jakob stood on the port wing of CF-NAM. Today he is managing director of Innsbruck-based Tyrolean Air Ambulance. He continues to administer assistance and relief to the sick and injured, but these days it is more likely to be a skiing accident high in the Austrian Tyrol than starving African war refugees.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed Super Constellation L-1049 / C-121C - СШАUSA - 1951

Most of the instruments on the flight-deck have been systematically removed over the years, but the four throttle-levers in closed position bear witness to the once-glorious days of the nocturnal airlift to Biafra’s Uli strip. Disconnected cables hang down lifelessly. Inside, the eerie silence is broken only by a horde of tropical insects and snakes which now live undisturbed among the wrecked controls.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed Super Constellation L-1049 / C-121C - СШАUSA - 1951

Tropical weather storms and a blazing sun have taken their toll of ’NAL and ’NAM. The fabric covering of the rudders has rotted away, as has the top coat of paint, revealing the aircraft’s former Nordair scheme.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed Super Constellation L-1049 / C-121C - СШАUSA - 1951

Equatorial conditions have encouraged the growth of vegetation. Both of CF-NAL’s starboard engines are becoming covered in vines.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed Super Constellation L-1049 / C-121C - СШАUSA - 1951