Douglas C-47 reaches the Geographic South Pole
On November 3, 1965, an Argentine Air Force Douglas C-47 reached the Geographic South Pole in temperatures plunging to 58 degrees below zero Celsius, zona-militar.com reported. The aircraft, bearing registration TA-05 and nicknamed “El Montañés,” was specifically modified for Antarctic operations and successfully landed at the United States Amundsen-Scott station accompanied by two single-engine DHC-2 Beaver planes.
Operation Sur revives the polar mission
The expedition operated under the banner of Operación Sur, a project driven by then-Vice Commodore Mario Luis Olezza. The initiative revived a stalled 1962 attempt after another Douglas C-47 caught fire during takeoff from Ellsworth station, which blocked the original push toward the pole. For the 1965 campaign, the Air Force readied the TA-05 at the El Palomar workshops under the direction of Captain Engineer Ricardo Ferluga.
Modifications enable Antarctic flight
El Montañés featured a distinct mechanical configuration designed to handle extreme polar demands. Engineers added an auxiliary Turbomeca Marboré II turbine to the tail cone alongside structural modifications, while integrating JATO rocket-assist takeoff devices to boost aircraft performance in thin, freezing air. The deployment began in the southern spring of 1965 as Air Force assets moved from Río Gallegos to Antarctica.
Repairs and the transpolar return
During October 1965, the TA-05 damaged one of its landing gear shock absorbers, forcing a supply drop from an Avro Lincoln B-022 bomber over Belgrano Base to deliver replacement parts. Following repairs, the TA-05 and Beaver planes (P-05 and P-06) departed the Filchner Ice Shelf on November 3 to land at Amundsen-Scott. On November 12, the Douglas flew to the United States McMurdo station on the Ross Sea in five hours and 33 minutes. The aircraft began its return trip on November 24, flying 2,822 kilometers in 13 hours and 42 minutes back to Belgrano Base via the South Pole to finish the double transpolar flight before the crew returned to Buenos Aires on December 20.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 1965 Antarctic flight
What caused the failure of the initial 1962 attempt to reach the South Pole?
The 1962 attempt ended when a Douglas C-47 caught fire during takeoff from Ellsworth station, destroying the aircraft and halting the mission before it could reach the Geographic South Pole.
Which aircraft accompanied the TA-05 during the final landing at the South Pole?
Two single-engine DHC-2 Beaver aircraft, registered as P-05 and P-06, accompanied the TA-05 and successfully landed at the Amundsen-Scott station on November 3, 1965.
How long did the return flight from McMurdo station take?
The return flight on November 24, 1965, covered 2,822 kilometers from McMurdo station back to Belgrano Base in 13 hours and 42 minutes, including a flight path that overflew the South Pole.
Related reading