SNJ-4/Bu. 09985/N55941

[Scott Rose]

SNJ-4/Bu. 09985/N55941

Registry Profile

[bdk]

Very interesting history! Looks like a hot mess in the photo.

[AG pilot]

I like the look, but the exhaust, not so much........

[Scott Rose]

Very interesting history! Looks like a hot mess in the photo.

From Robert Meadows, the pilot in the image:
"The craft had not been airborne for at least 5 years, probably 7 as is in my logbook, whilst in Griffin’s possession.
The new owner and I arrived at Griffin’s hangar as he was running the engine. On shut down,
I looked into the cowl, and there was a rather disturbed mouse. Engine was checked, some work done to ferry the
craft and following test flight at Air Harbor, front crank seal was leaking. Cause was a bumble bee plugged crankcase
vent. Cleared the vent, ran the engine up and all was well. The engine was fitted with an inertial starter at the time,
an interesting method of starting, crank like mad, Jump in the cockpit and pull the start handle to engage, and hope for the best. Always worked."

[Snake45]

Kinda cool! I can see it playing a Hellcat in a movie, if the need arose.

[JohnB]

Kinda cool! I can see it playing a Hellcat in a movie, if the need arose.

Absolutely!

[Lon Moer]

Kinda cool! I can see it playing a Hellcat in a movie, if the need arose.

Spent some of its time flying as a "Zero".

interweb photo's
1949 National Air Races

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Now

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