Unique prototype cargo plane to be broken up

A one-of-a-kind cargo plane, which has been in storage for more than two decades, is to be scrapped.

The Conroy Skymonster, kept at Bournemouth Airport, was built in the 1960s and is the only one of its kind in the world.

It has been kept at Hurn since 2002 and, at one point, appeared to be being restored.

But Bournemouth Airport confirmed reports that it is being broken up, with parts of it going to South Wales Aviation Musuem at St Athan.

A spokesperson for the airport said the aircraft had been grounded due to corrosion and had been in Bournemouth ever since.

"Over the years, it appears to have passed through multiple ownerships but its condition has been deteriorating, so the airport took ownership earlier this year," they said.

"We have been in discussions over the years with various interest groups and individuals about finding it a permanent home, but sadly nothing ever materialised.

"The aircraft is now being dismantled and, to preserve its legacy, large parts of it are going to the South Wales Aviation Musuem at St Athan where we are pleased that they will go on public display."

The airport said other parts would also be made available worldwide so they could be re-used on other historical aircraft.

Bournemouth Aviation Museum, which is located next to the airport, broke the news in a Facebook post, saying: "Skymonster has lost her battle... Very sad news and she is going to be missed."

Dozens of aviation enthusiasts commented, calling the move a "waste of a plane" and a "sad end".

Responding to the messages, the museum said it "did try" to take on the aircraft but "there were legal issues and it would have cost thousands just to get her across the road".

Built in California, the Skymonster is the only prototype of its kind, modified from a Canadair CL-44.

The aircraft, also known as the Guppy, was flown by a number of airlines around the world before being mothballed.

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