Ford Tri-Motor Airplane NX4542 in March 1928, Later Flown by Admiral Byrd Over the South Pole

Polar explorer and pioneering aviator Richard Byrd chose this rugged, dependable Ford Tri-Motor 4-AT to attempt the first flight over the South Pole. He named the plane Floyd Bennett, after the recently deceased pilot of his previous expeditions. Byrd and his crew of three successfully completed the momentous South Pole flight in late November 1929.