Warbird Information Exchange

Help! Can anyone identify this aircraft type?

Winslow, Ariz crash, 1929. Fuel leak, ran dry, had to crash land. Powder Puff Derby race (L.A. to Cleveland). Pilot was Patty Willis (in the photo) with a Capt. Mary Charles in back.

Red Lion was the sponsor. Tail# is NC659K. Other writing on tail is not readable. Writing behind her says something like Women's Air Reserve? I have a much larger, scanned copy.

I cant find more info on it. Is it a Beech Travel Air? (rudder and cowl look wrong) Looks like a metal Hamilton Standard prop. 7 cylinder.

My bi-plane recognition is pathetic... Bought it from Patty Willis' daughter who said it was 1929 (stamped 1930 on back though). Crashed near Meteor Crater.

Thanks!

--> Chris Baird
www.arizonawrecks.com

Looks like a Stearman C-3 variant?

_________________

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)

According to www.aerofiles.com 's website of early "N" numbers, it is a Stearman C-3R mc/n 5004

_________________
Roger Cain
www.sfahistory.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Stearman/


We must limit politicians to two terms:
one in office and one in jail.

Chris & Roger,

Thank you both very much for your responses......definately seems like a match for sure.

1929....I hadnt even thought of a Stearman. Makes me wonder if the pic isnt from later (1934+). You know how family members can be the worst sources of info....with all due respect though. (Patty Willis was definately involved in the 1929 race, as were Amelia Earhart, and Marvel Crosson ... I have newspaper proof of that....)

We have looked for 5 Stearman crashsites near Phx (PT-17s and one PT-13)... all out of Thunderbird or Thunderbird II. Have only located one:

http://arizonawrecks.com/wrecksfrommike ... arman.html

I have files on many more.

Anyway, we really appreciate your help and for taking the time to respond. Many thanks and warm regards,

Chris Baird
www.arizonawrecks.com