Warbird Information Exchange

Trying to research more on Airshow SB2C NX67858 and the pilot, who may have wrecked the plane in St George Utah on June 22, 1947. Apparently a young girl was killed when a “light plane” went off the runway and wrecked a few cars. It seems it may have been the Helldiver to me, but I don’t know. There were pictures posted on the wix of the plane a while back, and I am trying to track down the obit on Mrs King, who appears to have had several crashes over her career. She must have been a fascinating person. Any help is appreciated, and especially any pictures of the SB2C or family information. Still haven’t tracked her obit or family tree down. Thank you!

As a follow up, also researching Marge Hubert, a WASP who after WWII set the women’s air speed record in a Corsair. Researching her a bit and looking for where her plane might be, the Hubert Hurricane NX1223. I understand it may be extant and under review for restoration...


https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurlburt_Hurricane

That sounded familiar ...

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[Thread title is ridiculous btw]

Mark,

Thank you so much for the pictures. Bernadine Lewis King was 36 when she had the accident in St George, Utah, and I am sure was heartbroken over the death of a spectator.

https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=o ... rash&hl=en

It was not her first crash in Utah, she wrecked a Fleet biplane in 1940 and was seriously injured doing acro flying. She also crashed in 1937 near Bakersfield while flying without clothes on (sunbathing) until her crankshaft broke. She hurriedly dressed and put the airplane down off airport. She seems to have been an interesting woman. Her brother was named Joe, and Joe Lewis is listed on the DM site.

https://dmairfield.com/people/lewis_jo/index.html

Kinda interesting. Sadly the SB2C was perhaps broken up in St. George, but it’s hard to believe that a tough center section like that would be scrapped there at that time. Sure would love to see the N numbers of the SNJs....

As an aside, the car is a 1946 Chrysler Town and Country convertible, and was rare and expensive for its day. A car truly for Hollywood, they cost about $3,000.00 and are still pretty valuable today. As for the “beast”, I think there has to be a neat story on that plane...

Joe

As an aside, I'm surprised that post-war air show performers wore those Roscoe Turner-like uniforms.
I would have thought aviation, because so many people were involved with it in the war, would have been less glamorous/show biz-like by the late 40s.

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Remember the vets, the wonderful planes they flew and their sacrifices for a future many of them did not live to see.

As posted in a previous thread here.



Not a long- lasting venture apparently.

T J

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Make my day, punk!

Given the three blade prop and spinner this might actually have been the A-25 variant and not an SB2C.

my mother had one of these, 1946 Chrysler Town and Country convertible, thanks for reminding me

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This is a previous post, but all the pictures have been removed; http://warbirdinformationexchange.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=57958

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remember the Oogahonk!
old school enthusiast of Civiltary Warbirds and Air Racers

Given that the Helldiver has a 3- bladed prop I would say that it is a SB2C-3...or earlier. The tail arrestor hook appears to be missing but probably removed as a weight saving issue. Is it an early A-25? I do recall that the A-25's were characterized with oversized wheels/ tires and enlarged wheel wells. I would have to see similar shot of a known A-25 to make the comparison.


Interesting that the photo taken at Fullerton, CA airport which was a Navy OLF to NAAS Los Alamitos during the war.


JDV

www.fuselagecodes.com

I am not really sure the pictures were taken there. I sure think Fullerton would be difficult in an SB2C.


As to the model....I’m leaning toward A-25 also...

http://www.airfields-freeman.com/CA/Air ... geCo_C.htm

Checking pics it is an A-25A Shrike with "fat" wheels and three bladed prop. SB2C's all appear to have "skinny" wheels and mostly four bladed props..

I have a photo of a head -on view of a Navy SB2C and it indeed does have 'skinny' tires. So I have to agree with the fact that it is an A-25. The burley tires give it away.

If I knew how to submit photos to this website I would do so but …


JDV
www.fuselagecodes.com

Email it to me and I'll do it. I have a new/old B-25 fuselage code photo I've been meaning to send you as well...

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All right, Mister Dorfmann, start pullin'!
Pilot: "Flap switch works hard in down position."
Mechanic: "Flap switch checked OK. Pilot needs more P.T." - Flight report, TB-17G 42-102875 (Hobbs AAF)

I recall reading that a Navy aircraft (SBD?) had solid tailwheel whereas the similar USAAF aircraft (A-24?) had pnumatics.
Same theory with SB2Cs/A-25s having different main wheels? (Not that I'm saying Helldivers had soild mainwheels, just skinny mains).

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Remember the vets, the wonderful planes they flew and their sacrifices for a future many of them did not live to see.