At the Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
A visit with Josué and Justin to the aircraft wreck on Iceland’s southern coast.
Super DC-3 Plane Wreck on Sólheimasandur#
The Douglas R4D-8, also known as the Super DC-3, holds a special place in aviation history. Originally owned by the US Navy, this iconic aircraft was a symbol of the golden age of air travel. Primarily used as a cargo plane, it routinely flew missions over Iceland during the 1970s as part of the United States’ defense agreement with the NATO member country. The US Navy maintained a permanent base in Iceland until 2005, highlighting the significance of these operations.
The Crash: A Forced Landing in Iceland#
On Wednesday, November 21, 1973, at approximately 14:00, the Super DC-3 crashed on Sólheimasandur, a vast glacial outwash plain on Iceland’s southern coast. The aircraft was flying from Höfn, located on the east coast of Iceland, with seven crew members onboard.
Although the exact cause of the crash remains a mystery, several theories have been proposed. Some attribute the incident to structural damage caused by icing, while others suggest that issues with the plane’s thrusters played a role. Another theory is pilot error, as some believe the pilot misjudged the thrusters’ functionality.
Despite the uncertainty, one fact is clear: all seven crew members survived the crash unharmed. The forced landing occurred on an icy river near the coast. Although the ice broke, the plane miraculously remained afloat, preventing further disaster.
A Plane Wreck Shaped by Time#
Over the decades, the Super DC-3 plane wreck has endured Iceland’s harsh weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, freezing temperatures, and powerful gales. The aircraft no longer has its wings, and its tail is only partially intact. According to local rumors, a farmer may have removed and sold the tail many years ago.
As Sólheimasandur is a glacial outwash plain, the wreck’s future is uncertain. Floodwaters from an eruption beneath the nearby Mýrdalsjökull glacier could eventually wash it away.
Path to Wrecked DC-3 Plane on Sólheimasandur#
The path offers stunning views of the stark and otherworldly landscape, making it a must-visit destination for adventurers and photographers alike.
Visitor information#
- Location: Sólheimasandur, South Iceland