Frozen in Time: The Enduring Legacy of the C-121 Lockheed Constellation “Pegasus” Crash in Antarctica

The icy remains of the C-121 Super Constellation "Pegasus" lie buried beneath layers of snow, waiting to be uncovered by adventurous visitors.

Above, the Super Constellation (C121J) aircraft "Pegasus" immediately after its crash on 8 October 1970. Photo by Jeffrey Donenfield
United Fuel Cells


On October 8, 1970, the pilots of “Pegasus,” a C-121 Lockheed Constellation, encountered a dire situation. A fierce storm battered the skies above Antarctica, but low fuel levels left the crew with no choice but to continue toward McMurdo Station rather than return to New Zealand. Initially, weather reports from Christchurch had indicated favorable conditions over McMurdo Sound. Unfortunately, these conditions deteriorated en route, and the crew found themselves unable to spot the runway upon arrival.

The Pegasus C-121 Super Constellation on the ramp of the Christchurch International Airport in late 1966. Photo Steve McLchlan
The Pegasus C-121 Super Constellation on the ramp of the Christchurch International Airport in late 1966. Photo Steve McLchlan

In zero visibility caused by swirling snow, the captain attempted a go-around and made a second landing attempt. Tragically, the plane’s right main gear struck a hidden snowbank, tearing off the landing gear and damaging the wing. The aircraft crash-landed, and despite the damage, all 80 passengers and crew members survived without major injuries. They were safely rescued and continued their Antarctic research, albeit shaken by the experience.

Above the Super Constellation C121J aircraft Pegasus immediately after its crash on 8 October 1970
Above, the Super Constellation (C121J) aircraft “Pegasus” immediately after its crash on 8 October 1970. Everyone survived (the story) (photo from Larry Lister)

Today, the remains of the Pegasus lie in the icy landscape near McMurdo Station, the American Antarctic research outpost on Ross Island. Most of the aircraft remains under thick layers of snow and ice, but visitors often dig it out for photographs or inscribe their names on its frozen exterior. The plane, with its painted Pegasus symbol, has become a notable landmark for those venturing to this remote site. In honor of the crash, the airstrip was named Pegasus Field (ICAO: NZPG). It served as the southernmost airfield for McMurdo Station until it was closed on December 8, 2016, due to excessive melting caused by rising summer temperatures and dust from nearby Black Island. Phoenix Airfield (ICAO: NZFX) opened in February 2017 as its replacement.

Pegasus C 121 Lockheed Constellation
Photo by Jeffrey Donenfeld

C 121 Lockheed Constellation Pegasus in serviceThe Lockheed R7V-1, BuNo 131644, was delivered to the U.S. Navy on December 19, 1953, and initially assigned to Transport Squadron VR-1 at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, where it was coded as RP-644 and named “Taurus.” In 1955, it transferred to Airborne Early Warning Squadron Fifteen (VW-15) at the same base. By 1956, the aircraft was reassigned to Airborne Early Warning Maintenance Squadron Two (AEWMATRON 2) at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii, and in 1962, it was redesignated as a C-121J. By December 1962, it had joined the Airborne Early Warning Barrier Squadron, Pacific (AEWBARRONPAC), also at Barbers Point. On September 1, 1964, the aircraft transferred to VX-6 at NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island, where it was coded JD-5 and given the new name “Pegasus.” The plane was used in annual missions for “Operation Deep Freeze,” earning a penguin emblem on the nosewheel door for each completed mission. By March 1966, it was recoded JD-7. In late 1967, it was modified with a new antenna under the tail for airborne ice-sounding and successfully flight-tested in December of that year.

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The remaining tailpiece, with people’s initials carved all over it. The de-icing gear is still there too.
   

In 2014, Jeffrey Donenfeld, an Aerospace, Defense, and DeepTech business leader with a passion for adventure, visited the crash site and shared his photos with Vintage Aviation News, giving enthusiasts a glimpse into this frozen relic’s enduring legacy.

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Although most of the plan is under the ice, there’s still a bit to check out, and the skin seems to be in good condition, considering the harsh elements.
 
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Over the years, the aircraft has been slowly covered in snow and ice.
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Moreno-Aguiari

Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.