From US Navy aircraft to Icelandic landmark
The DC-3 airplane located today at Eyvindarholt has a history that stretches back to 1944, when it completed its first flight. Decades later, during the 1960s, the aircraft served the United States Navy at the naval base in Keflavík, where it was used for various operational duties in Iceland.
One of the plane’s primary roles was transporting personnel and supplies to a radar station on Heiðarfjall, a mountain located at Langanes in northeast Iceland, near the town of Þórshöfn. The DC-3 regularly flew challenging routes in remote parts of the country, supporting infrastructure that was vital at the time.
July 25, 1969 – The Accident at Sauðanes
On July 25, 1969, a bright and sunny summer day, the DC-3 C-47J (R4D-6) departed from the Keflavík base and headed northeast. Its destination was a runway near the farm Sauðanes, close to Þórshöfn. The runway was located along a natural gravel strip by the ocean.
Before reaching Sauðanes, the captain received updated weather information confirming clear conditions and a light breeze. With favourable weather reported, the captain decided to take a short detour north toward the Arctic Circle, approximately 25 kilometres north of Sauðanes, to enjoy the views before returning for landing.
After returning to Sauðanes, the aircraft landed successfully, and at first everything appeared normal. However, during the braking process, the plane unexpectedly veered to the right. Despite several attempts to regain control, the aircraft left the runway and collided with a pile of driftwood, causing a wheel to break and one wing to strike the ground.
There were four people on board, and none were injured in the incident.
Left Behind at Sauðanes
After assessing the situation, it became clear that repairing the aircraft or transporting it back to Keflavík would be excessively expensive. As a result, the decision was made to tow the plane aside and leave it in a nearby field close to the runway at Sauðanes.
In the years that followed, the DC-3 took on an entirely new role. It became a shelter for horses and sheep, offering protection from the harsh northern winds. For the children growing up at Sauðanes farm, the aircraft also became a playground, where countless summer days were spent climbing, exploring, and playing around the grounded plane.
A New Chapter Begins
A few years ago, the DC-3 airplane at Sauðanes began attracting increasing numbers of visitors. While interest in the aircraft grew, this new attention made it difficult for the animals on the farm to live peacefully in the field where the plane was located.
The farmers at Sauðanes, Ágúst and Steinunn, decided that the time had come for the aircraft to begin a final journey. Their goal was to relocate the plane to a place where people could enjoy it without disturbing farm life.
At the same time, Tómas, the owner of Eyvindarholt, had been considering the creation of a viewing point on his land. He had explored several ideas that would allow visitors to enjoy the landscape, including views toward Stóra-Dímon and the Tindfjallajökull area.
When the opportunity arose, Tómas contacted Ágúst and Steinunn, who agreed to give him the DC-3 plane wreck.
Transport Across Iceland
Relocating the aircraft was no simple task. Transporting the DC-3 plane wreck across Iceland required moving it 716 kilometres (444 miles) through varied terrain and along narrow roads. Despite the challenges, the operation was completed successfully.
Today, the former Sauðanes DC-3 has found a new resting place at Eyvindarholt, where it can once again be enjoyed by visitors in a setting designed for viewing, reflection, and respect for both history and surroundings.
DC-3 Plane Wreck – Frequently Asked Questions
When was the DC-3 aircraft first built?
The DC-3 airplane was built in 1944 and completed its first flight that same year.
What was the DC-3 used for in Iceland?
During the 1960s, the aircraft served the United States Navy at the naval base in Keflavík. One of its main tasks was transporting people and supplies to a radar station on Heiðarfjall near Þórshöfn in northeast Iceland.
What happened to the DC-3 on July 25, 1969?
On July 25, 1969, the DC-3 flew from Keflavík to a runway near the farm Sauðanes by Þórshöfn. After landing, the aircraft veered off the runway during braking and collided with driftwood, damaging a wheel and one wing.
Were there any injuries in the accident?
No. There were four people on board the aircraft, and none of them were injured.
Why was the aircraft left at Sauðanes?
Repairing the aircraft or transporting it back to Keflavík was considered too expensive. The plane was therefore towed aside and left in a field near the runway.
How was the DC-3 used after the accident?
After the accident, the aircraft served as shelter for horses and sheep at Sauðanes farm. It also became a playground for the children living there, who spent many summer days playing around the plane.
Why was the DC-3 plane moved to Eyvindarholt?
As the plane became a tourist attraction, it disturbed the animals living on the farm. The owners decided to relocate it so visitors could enjoy the aircraft without affecting farm life.
How far was the DC-3 plane wreck transported?
The aircraft was transported approximately 716 kilometres (444 miles) across Iceland to its current location at Eyvindarholt.
How does the DC-3 at Eyvindarholt compare to the DC-3 on Sólheimasandur?
Both aircraft are Douglas DC-3 planes, but their histories and locations are different. The DC-3 at Eyvindarholt first flew in 1944, served the United States Navy in Iceland, and was involved in an accident at Sauðanes in 1969 before later being transported to Eyvindarholt. The DC-3 on Sólheimasandur crash-landed on a black sand beach and remains where it landed. The Eyvindarholt DC-3 is located on private land in a grassy landscape and can be reached with a short walk, offering a quieter experience.
