Warbird Information Exchange

TF-51D, 44-84660, of the 109th Minn ANG. This aircraft went to Guatemala and later returned to the US. It crashed in Big Springs, TX, in 1976.

Below are a few photos of Volk Field in Toma, WI, and the flight line is loaded with MN Air Guard P-51s, a few T-6s, and a C-47. Source: Jim Goodall
Some of the other photos are scattered locations.

























This is what happens to a flight line of P-51s when the airfield is hit with an E4 tornado, in the mid-50s.

https://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDo ... rial=36486

Crashed.
Summarized NTSB narrative from report number FTW76FQH03: There were 2 fatalities. Incident occurred at 12:20 hours. The airframe was destroyed. Incident occurred at the Edwards Airport, Big Spring, TX. This was a local flight from Big Spring, TX. Stalled and/or mushed while circling in the traffic pattern. A fire broke out after impact.
For a complete description of the event read the NTSB Report.

_________________
45-47=-2

I love seeing the photos of the Minnesota Air Guard Mustangs. At least five of the photos were taken at the Downtown St. Paul Airport/Holman Field, where they were based. You can see the rocky bluffs in the background as well as a number of structures that still stand/are in use today, such as the 1939 terminal (used today as the fantastic Holman Table restaurant), the brick Air Guard hangar (used today by helicopter units of the MN Army National Guard) and the old North West mod center hangars (WWII B-24 mod center) now owned by 3M.

This is a photo I've posted before, which I acquired a number of years ago in an estate sale, and it was also taken at the Downtown St. Paul Airport/Holman Field. This Mustang is F-51D-25-NT serial no. 45-11489, and is seen here as part of the Minnesota ANG 109th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron. The photo was taken around the time of the "Last Mustang Roundup" held at Volk Field, Wisconsin, from August 18th through September 1st, 1950, with specially-painted drop tanks for the event that read "The Fightin' 109th". After being sold surplus, it went to Trans Florida and became the second Cavalier prototype, registered as N5421V and N551D(#2). Later, owned by Stank Hoke, it was entered in the Harold's Club Transcontinental Trophy Dash in 1964. The aircraft was destroyed in a crash near Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1966.

If I am not mistaken parts of this aircraft ended up in "Galveston Gal" which, of course, was destroyed again in 2013.

Great photos of the Minn. ANG.
Thanks!
I have forwarded the link to a friend, a Minnesota based military vehicle, collector car and vintage truck author.

Too bad the shot would th the Jeeps aren't better and in color.

_________________
Remember the vets, the wonderful planes they flew and their sacrifices for a future many of them did not live to see.
Note political free signature.
I figure if you wanted my opinion on items unrelated to this forum, you'd ask for it.