Unusual Conversion Didn't Get Popular

Here is a C-337 'Mixmaster' (Skymaster) PT-6 conversion which is a great thing to do with the craft, but most ask, "where is the other engine?"

It's registered to Basler Turbo Conversions in Oshkosh, where it's become something of a celebrity since it was built, ten years ago.

"Warren Basler bought the project a number of years ago, but it just couldn't go anywhere [commercially]. It's stretched -- it's just too big a project [to be commercially feasible]. Certification was just a nightmare. It hasn't flown in about four years -- the engine's out of it. I hear it was a wild performer, but I never flew in it," said Basler's parts genius, Pat Keesler.

The aircraft never got past Experimental -- Exhibition registry, with its PT-6A-60A sticking out the back.

You may recall, Basler makes the DC-3 turbine conversions. Those are commercially feasible, as has been demonstrated numerous times. [Watching that thing take off at Oshkosh is an experience you'll never forget. It gets off the ground, and climbs like an ultralight -- with a 100' wingspan! --ed]

[Thanks to ANN Contributor R.C. Jones for spotting this one, and sending us a photo and a line --ed.]

FMI: http://www.baslerturbo.com/default.html