Abandoned Antonov An-2 spray plane (Bulgaria). Tail number LZ-1102, marked AIST-3

I found this old spray plane parked on an abandoned military air field north of Plovdiv. The abandoned airfield has since been converted into a car racing circuit Kaloyanovo.

This good old plane was later spotted in Agades (Niger) in 2007 where it was sadly involved in a ground mishap with another similar Antonov An-2 (AIST-2) that overturned in a Sandstorm... (the Antonov wasn't anchored). See photos here:

www.flickr.com/photos/50801770@N08/4687499697/

www.flickr.com/photos/50801770@N08/4688132690/

www.shutterstock.com/editorial/image-editorial/two-damage...

Sadly, the other Antonov, AIST-2 was never repaired. We don't know about the status of this one (AIST-3).

Arif Bernard wrote: Current status of Bask Air AIST-2 is shown clearly in April 22, 2018 NY Times story, "A Shadowy War’s Newest Front: A Drone Base Rising From Saharan Dust:"

No one who loves planes likes to see a great frame whither away regardless of its origin. But plenty more remain with new opportunities to live even longer.

Баск - Bask Air AD ( baskair [at] abv.bg ) is a Bulgarian civil air company. It specializes in providing air emergency services, crop dusting and other aerial services. According to this website, the Company owns 4 Antonov An-2 planes, but now, 2 of them have been seriously damaged in Niger (see above).

This photo is part of my България - Bulgaria series.