Convair CV-580  N7601                                       (c/n  452)

                                 

                                        This little beauty was seen at the Garrett AiRsearch facility on the south side of LAX in 1960,
                                        just after it had been converted to 580 status from its original 440.  It was owned by the
                                        Union Oil Co, and was resplendent in white, orange and blue livery.   I was permitted to
                                        take a look at the luxurious fittings inside.    Unfortunately this aircraft was written off in a
                                       crash whilst attempting to land at  Midland Air Terminal, Texas on 21 December 1963. 
                                       Wing icing was determined to be the cause, and pilot error for not utilizing the full de-icing
                                       capabilities of the aircraft.