1995 Kalamazoo Air Zoo F8F Bearcat forced landing (?)

[DanteC]

I remember reading some years ago that the Bearcat bellied in a field somewhere in Missouri. I assume by the date and location that the Bearcat had been at the Columbia, Mo. Veteran's Day Airshow. I remember hearing about it, but never got any details. Does anyone have any more information on or pictures of this incident?
Thanks,
Dante

[James Church]

It was the result of an engine or fuel system malfunction as I recall. There was an article (by Gerry Pahl I think) in Warbirds International several years ago which showed at least one photo of it in the field. It then came back to the Air Zoo and underwent a full restoration to airworthiness, but has not flown again due to the museum's recently imposed policy of not flying their aircraft. The civil mods (spinner, tail cone, etc.) were removed during the rebuild, and it looks great! Jim

[TimAPNY]

Did the Zoo come out with why they will not fly the museum a/c anymore?

Sad, they have a great collection. Can't wait to stop in and see it.

[RMAllnutt]

Kalamazoo stopped flying their aircraft because of the high cost of insuring them... at least that's what the publicly stated reason was.

Cheers,
Richard

[dj51d]

Kalamazoo stopped flying their aircraft because of the high cost of insuring them... at least that's what the publicly stated reason was.

I can't recall which one, but one of the magazines at the time stated that they had talked to other warbird owners who said that insurance had been dropping at the time.

[kalamazookid]

The Air Zoo just finished a $20 million new dacility, so the fact that they needed money for the facility could have played a part in not having enough money for insurance. The Ford Trimotor was airworthy for some time about two years ago, but corrosion was discovered in the main spar, which is being rebuilt. I think that once this is back in the air, then other museum planes will follow, although the Tigercat needs a new engine. The Bearcat is basically airworthy but they were having problems with the fuel leaks before the fleet was grounded. The most likely museum planes that would fly again would probably be the Corsair and Hellcat. I just wish the would fly 'em again!

[kalamazookid]

The P-40 is suspended in the lobby of the New Air Zoo, and I dont think they want to fly it to show respect for Suzie Parrish since she can't fly it anymore. The Thunderbolt could maybe fly again, but I'm not sure of how much work they would have to do on it. It is currently in a diorama type display in the new building. My opinion is that they should stop using the plane as set dressing and fly it!!!!!!!