Mystery P-26 Peashooters
Mon Feb 07, 2005 10:57 pm
There are two P-26 Peashooters that I would love to learn more about. They might possibly be one and the same airplanes but that is mere speculation.
The first was supposedly a personal hack aircraft of the base commander at Keesler Field in Biloxi, Mississippi during or just after World War II. I know nothing more about it but have heard that much of the story a couple of times from different sources. Does a photo exist? Is there any serial number or other history known?
The second one I have never read about ever in any warbird publication. It was owned by two brothers, the one named Don Long. Don lived in Boise, Idaho on Gage Avenue for years and maybe still does. Don owned many aircraft over the years and built some homebuilt airplanes as well. He was quite active in the EAA Chapter in Boise. I haven't talked to him in maybe 8-10 years or more, and have lost touch.
He told me the full story of it a few times while visiting his home in the early 70s. We lived about a mile apart. If I recall the details correctly he and his brother taught themselves to fly after rebuilding an early 30's Skylark biplane hauled home to the farm (in Iowa or Illinois) before the war. They built up hours flying after the war buying surplus trainers cheap and other relics. I believe they owned more than one Timm N2T-1 which is another very interesting story.
Anyway, he would tell of a day after the war when they were buying produce at a Midwest farmer's fruit stand and while talking got on the subject of airplanes. The farmer had two old planes himself on the farm, and would they like to see them? Don said it turned out the one was a Boeing P-26! His brother had to have it and they made a deal.
Don told me of the subsequent flying adventures (I REALLY wish I had made a tape recording or at least taken notes but in the early 70s I was still in high school) in some detail. Don and his brother both flew it. No registration number was recalled, and no photos could be found when we poured through his old albums. One day his brother barely walked away from a foolish landing on a way too small country grass airstrip. He was very afraid for his safety of ever trying to make a take off from this field. Don agreed. They decided to sell their beloved Peashooter but they made a mandatory stipulation with the buyer that he NOT even try to fly it out of there, but disassemble it and transport, or tow it to some safer location. These terms were agreed to, but after the transaction the new owner decided he'd fly it out anyway. The result was that the P-26 barely got airborne and plowed into an embankment of a creek at the far end of the strip. Don and his brother ran to the crash site and "peeled the fool's bloody face from the instrument panel." I guess the idiot survived but the plane was a total write-off (at least by late 40's standards). I am pretty sure this happened in Iowa.
Now I understand there were no known surplus sales of P-26s, and as far as I know no recorded civil registered-civil owned P-26s directly after the war. Perhaps the Keesler P-26 found its way to Iowa??? Don Long knew his vintage airplanes well so this story is not a case of a misidentified type. If Don is still with us maybe a Boise-area WIXER can pay him a visit and get the details (dates, places, names) that I never did. It is a most intriguing tale to be sure. I remember asking him, "Do you think the wreck was hauled off?" I remember he doubted it seriously. figuring it probably partly washed down the creek or buried itself over time in the brush and sediments of the creekside.
Does anyone have any info on either P-26?
The first was supposedly a personal hack aircraft of the base commander at Keesler Field in Biloxi, Mississippi during or just after World War II. I know nothing more about it but have heard that much of the story a couple of times from different sources. Does a photo exist? Is there any serial number or other history known?
The second one I have never read about ever in any warbird publication. It was owned by two brothers, the one named Don Long. Don lived in Boise, Idaho on Gage Avenue for years and maybe still does. Don owned many aircraft over the years and built some homebuilt airplanes as well. He was quite active in the EAA Chapter in Boise. I haven't talked to him in maybe 8-10 years or more, and have lost touch.
He told me the full story of it a few times while visiting his home in the early 70s. We lived about a mile apart. If I recall the details correctly he and his brother taught themselves to fly after rebuilding an early 30's Skylark biplane hauled home to the farm (in Iowa or Illinois) before the war. They built up hours flying after the war buying surplus trainers cheap and other relics. I believe they owned more than one Timm N2T-1 which is another very interesting story.
Anyway, he would tell of a day after the war when they were buying produce at a Midwest farmer's fruit stand and while talking got on the subject of airplanes. The farmer had two old planes himself on the farm, and would they like to see them? Don said it turned out the one was a Boeing P-26! His brother had to have it and they made a deal.
Don told me of the subsequent flying adventures (I REALLY wish I had made a tape recording or at least taken notes but in the early 70s I was still in high school) in some detail. Don and his brother both flew it. No registration number was recalled, and no photos could be found when we poured through his old albums. One day his brother barely walked away from a foolish landing on a way too small country grass airstrip. He was very afraid for his safety of ever trying to make a take off from this field. Don agreed. They decided to sell their beloved Peashooter but they made a mandatory stipulation with the buyer that he NOT even try to fly it out of there, but disassemble it and transport, or tow it to some safer location. These terms were agreed to, but after the transaction the new owner decided he'd fly it out anyway. The result was that the P-26 barely got airborne and plowed into an embankment of a creek at the far end of the strip. Don and his brother ran to the crash site and "peeled the fool's bloody face from the instrument panel." I guess the idiot survived but the plane was a total write-off (at least by late 40's standards). I am pretty sure this happened in Iowa.
Now I understand there were no known surplus sales of P-26s, and as far as I know no recorded civil registered-civil owned P-26s directly after the war. Perhaps the Keesler P-26 found its way to Iowa??? Don Long knew his vintage airplanes well so this story is not a case of a misidentified type. If Don is still with us maybe a Boise-area WIXER can pay him a visit and get the details (dates, places, names) that I never did. It is a most intriguing tale to be sure. I remember asking him, "Do you think the wreck was hauled off?" I remember he doubted it seriously. figuring it probably partly washed down the creek or buried itself over time in the brush and sediments of the creekside.
Does anyone have any info on either P-26?
Tue Feb 08, 2005 2:11 am
I have no information to provide you regarding these two P-26s, but I am sure you are aware of the three P-26s being built from scratch in the Louisville, KY - Indiana area?
Saludos,
Tulio
Saludos,
Tulio
P-26 Wings Recoverd?
Tue Feb 08, 2005 10:50 am
A book was written by Ralph Rosanik about his replica P-6E Hawk build called "Hawk Safari". During his search for an original Hawk in South America, he writes about finding a quantity of P-26 wings with a gentleman in Guatemala. According to the book, he purchases the stash (around 15 sets or so) and has them sent back to the US. I've never heard of this elsewhere, and I believe the replicas being built all used new wings. A recovery of a P-26 tailcone is also mentioned, and may have been included with the purchase.
Did this stuff ever really surface?
Did this stuff ever really surface?
Tue Feb 08, 2005 5:02 pm
I find the P-26 and very interesting and intriguing aircraft.
Is there a website for these replicas being built ?
Cheers
Chris
Is there a website for these replicas being built ?
Cheers
Chris
Tue Feb 08, 2005 5:12 pm
http://www.peashooter.net/thumbs0.htm
Here's the URL to the P-26 replicas... they look like they are doing a superb job!
Cheers,
Richard
Here's the URL to the P-26 replicas... they look like they are doing a superb job!
Cheers,
Richard
Tue Feb 08, 2005 5:12 pm
http://www.peashooter.net
Here's the URL to the P-26 replicas... they look like they are doing a superb job!
Cheers,
Richard
Here's the URL to the P-26 replicas... they look like they are doing a superb job!
Cheers,
Richard
Last edited by RMAllnutt on Tue Feb 08, 2005 5:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Tue Feb 08, 2005 5:14 pm
Cheers for that 
Tue Feb 08, 2005 5:31 pm
Glad to help where I can 
Tue Feb 08, 2005 6:09 pm
I had a good look at the website.
Was amazed at how complex the structure is of the P-26 for such a basic looking aircraft.
When I win the lottery, I want a new built example !!
TNZ
Was amazed at how complex the structure is of the P-26 for such a basic looking aircraft.
When I win the lottery, I want a new built example !!
TNZ