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Dates |
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Event |
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Constructed as a F8F-2N. |
1 January 1948 |
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Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Navy with BuNo 121787. |
From 1963 to Circa 1966 |
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To M. W. Fairbrother, Rosemount, MN with new c/r N6821D. |
1966 |
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To John Church/New Jersey Air Co, Hackensack, NJ with new c/r N148F. |
Circa 1966 |
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Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races. |
From Unknown to 1968 |
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To New Jersey Air Co/John Church, Carmel, CA keeping c/r N148F. |
From 21 September 1966 to 26 September 1966 |
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Raced as #11.
This was a stock F8F-2. Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Chuck Klusmann. Qualified in 7th place with an average speed of 357.33 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 355.36 mph. Raced in the Reserve race. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 342.74 mph. |
Circa 21 September 1966 |
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Photographer: Robert F. Pauley
Notes: Chuck Klusmann flew this Bearcat in Unlimited class competition at the 1966 Reno Air Races. |
Circa 21 September 1966 |
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Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field, near Reno, NV. |
After 1966 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro |
1967 |
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Photographer: Lyle Shelton |
Circa 1967 |
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Photographer: Mike Henniger
Notes: Photographed at Moffett Field, Mountain View, CA. |
From 3 June 1967 to 4 June 1967 |
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Raced as #11.
It is unclear if this was an actual race, or just a demonstration event. Appeared at the Pomona Valley International Air Races and Air Show, but did not qualify. The primary pilot was Chuck Lyford. |
From 20 September 1967 to 24 September 1967 |
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Raced as #11.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was John Church. Qualified in 9th place with an average speed of 332.69 mph. Raced in the Reserve race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 336.17 mph. |
13 January 1969 |
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To Walter M. Fountain/Hawke Dusters Jr, Oakdale, CA keeping c/r N148F. |
From 14 September 1969 to 21 September 1969 |
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Raced as #99.
The airframe essentially remained stock with some airframe clean-up and the refairing of the upper surface wing gun blisters. A small tail cone was added as well. Appeared at the National Championship Air Races to compete in the Unlimited class, but did not qualify. The primary pilot was Bud Fountain. Failed to qualify due to multiple mechanical problems. |
Circa 14 September 1969 |
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Photographer: Bruce Fraites Collection |
From 11 September 1973 to 16 September 1973 |
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Raced as #24, named Hawke DUSTERS.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bud Fountain. Qualified in 10th place with an average speed of 378.95 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 386.07 mph. Started the Trophy race, but did not finish. Dropped out on the fifth lap with a broken hydraulic line. |
Circa 1973 |
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Photographer: William T Larkins
Notes: At Reno NV |
Circa 11 September 1973 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV. |
20 October 1973 |
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Crashed.
Summarized NTSB narrative from report number LAX74FUQ16: There was one fatality. Incident occurred at 13:27 hours. The airframe was destroyed. Incident occurred at the Mojave Airport, Mojave, CA. This was a local flight from Mojave, CA. There was a fire or explosion in flight while in flight. The factors included; engine fire. Report remarks include: Fire from undetermined source during heat race.
For a complete description of the event read the NTSB Report. |
7 January 1974 |
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Civil registration, N148F, cancelled. |
