Junkers Ju 52/3m, WNr. 6580, A-701

History

The Junkers Ju 52/3m with construction number 6580, registered as HB-HOS, was a notable aircraft in the fleet of Ju-Air, a Swiss aviation association dedicated to preserving and operating vintage aircraft. Built in 1939, this aircraft was part of the last generation of Ju 52s produced, which were primarily used by the Swiss Air Force during World War II.​

After its military service, HB-HOS was retired and later acquired by Ju-Air in 1982. Ju-Air, based at Dübendorf Air Base near Zurich, was established with the aim of operating historic aircraft, particularly the Ju 52, for sightseeing flights and to preserve Swiss aviation heritage. The aircraft was meticulously restored to its original specifications, featuring the distinctive corrugated metal skin and three radial engines characteristic of the Ju 52 design.​

HB-HOS became a familiar sight at airshows and aviation events across Europe, offering passengers a unique opportunity to experience flight in a classic 1930s-era transport aircraft. The aircraft's participation in various events helped raise public awareness about the importance of preserving historical aircraft and the role of Ju-Air in this endeavour.​

Following the tragic crash of another Ju-Air aircraft, HB-HOT, in August 2018, which resulted in the loss of all 20 people on board, the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) grounded all remaining Ju 52 aircraft operated by Ju-Air, including HB-HOS. An investigation revealed that HB-HOS had structural issues that rendered it unfit for flight, leading to its permanent grounding.​

In April 2023, Ju-Air symbolically sold HB-HOS to the Luftfahrtmuseum Wernigerode in Germany for a nominal fee of one Swiss franc. The museum planned to display the aircraft's fuselage, preserving its historical significance while acknowledging the end of its operational life

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