A historical survey of US fire attack air tanker companies to the year 2000, compiled by Geoff Goodall
B & B Flying Service Inc, PO Box 1606, Wenatchee WA
A long established agricultural spraying operation which used a Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon fire tanker on contract to USFS during the 1963 season (at least) based at Wenatchee WA. The Harpoon had been fitted with a fibreglass belly liquid retardant tank by Robert Larabee at Seattle-Boeing Field WA and leased to B&B Flying Service. No record of the company after the late 1960s.
Other aircraft:
Boeing Stearmans: N48782, N56275, N56909, N58622
Vultee BT-13 N67022
Piper Cub N29083
| Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon |
N7086C | Bu37443 | 1963 | F62 |
Leased from Robert L. Larrabee, Seattle WA Sold c65 to Bill Dempsay/ D&D Aero Inc |
Established circa 1946 at Hillsboro Airport near Portland OR by Ed Ball and Norman "Swede" Ralston. Both had been pilots at this airfield prewar and served as military flying instructors during WWII. Ball-Ralston was built up as an FBO and flying school, but the partners branched out into more adventurous pursuits including Ball-Ralston Flying Circus with a P-38 and P-40 and Ball-Ralston Aerial Spraying with Vultee BT-13 sprayers. They pioneered spraying of budworm in Oregon forests and gained similar early work in Idaho.
Four Grumman Avengers were acquired and tanked. The first, a veteran TBF-1C was purchased in 1954 in poor condition from US Navy disposals at Chicago and ferried to Hillsboro by Norm Ralston as N7922A. A chemical tank was installed in the bombay and spraybars for forest spraying. N7922A is reportedly the first Grumman Avenger adapted for spraying in USA.
In 1957 Ball-Ralston leased their four Avenger sprayers to Skyway Air Services, Langley BC for the 1957 Canadian forest spraying season. They retained their N numbers but were painted with "Skyway" titles.
In October 1956 Ball-Ralston Flying Service purchased a Beech C-45F from USAF disposals and carried out its civil conversion overhaul to be registered N8030H and resale.
During 1960 Ball-Rallston Flying Service was restructured as Aero Air Inc, still operating today at Hillsboro as Aero Air LLC.
| Grumman TBF-1C | N7922A | Bu48032 | 1954-c1960 | purchased .54 ex USN surplus at Chicago IL, ferried to Hillsboro by Ralston for conv. to tanker sold c60 to Parsons Airpark, Carpenteria CA | |
| Grumman TBM-3 | N7026C | Bu69294 | 1957-c1960 | D4 | purchased .57 ex Chris D. Stoltzfus & Assoc, PA ferried to Hillsboro in US Navy paintwork sold c60 to Parsons Airpark, Carpenteria CA |
| Grumman TBM-3E | N66475 | Bu69344 | 1956-1964 | CofA issued 11.6.56 as sprayer sold c64 to AV Aircraft, Deming NM | |
| Grumman TBM-1C | N5635N | - | c1951-c1960 | D3 | sold c60 to Parsons Airpark, Carpenteria CA |
Note the modified cockpit area. Photo: nbavengers.com
J. M. Jackson Inc, Lacey Building, 27th and Lime Avenue, Long Beach CA trading as Bellroy Air Tankers
During 1960 J. M.Jackson Inc purchased three North American AJ-1 Savage naval bombers from US Navy disposals at NAS Litchfield Park, Arizona. They were acquired via Allied Metal Industries which had bid for a batch of AJ-1s for scrap metal. The three were prepared at Litchfield to be ferried to Long Beach, each having the Allison turbojet engine in the rear fuselage removed. One was lost during the delivery flight in June 1960 when an in-flight fire caused the ferry pilot to bale out.
At Long Beach the remaining two Savages were rebuilt with a 2,000 gallon liquid tank in the bombay and P&W R2800 Double Wasps were replaced by R2800-CB16 models with water injection to increase power for takeoff. The first tanker was test flown in June 1960, the second two months later. In a press statement Bellroy Air Tankers claimed that the Savages would handle twice the load at twice the speed of other fire bombers at that time.They were deployed to the nearby Van Nuys Airport fire tanker base where they flew the 1960-62 seasons.
Other aircraft: P-51D Mustang N5480V was owned by J. M. Jackson Inc, Long Beach CA between 1960-1963.
During 1962 the Bellroy Air Tankers business was taken over by Jack Folz and continued under new name A.J.Air Tankers Inc.
| Noth American AJ-1 Savage |
N9142Z | Bu124158 | 1960-1962 | E88 |
sold .62 to AJ Air Tankers, Burbank CA |
| AJ-1 Savage | N9143Z | Bu124167 | 1960-1962 | E77 | sold .62 to AJ Air Tankers, Burbank CA |
| AJ-1 Savage | N9144Z | Bu124164 | 1960 | - | crashed 6.6.60 during ferry flight from Arizona |
Photo by Robert T. O'Dell
Agricultural dusting and spraying business established in 1947 by brothers Max L. and John Biegert, Lincoln, Nebraska
Operated under the names Biergert Bros and Biegert Bros Aerial Spraying
The brothers moved into heavy spraying aircraft in April 1953 when they acquired a derelict B-17F that had been a war memorial at Stuttgart Arkansas since 1946. They rebuilt the Flying Fortress to airworthy as a sprayer, installing 7 chemical tanks in the cabin as well as two more underwing chemical tanks in fuel drop tanks from a USAF Lockheed F-94 Starfire jet fighter. A rear fuselage entry was constructed using a cabin door from a Lockheed Lodestar. Registered N17W the B-17F commenced a two year contract for Central Aircraft Corp,Yakima WA on large scale mosquito spraying across USA.
A second B-17 was acquired in 1956 and finished its conversion to a sprayer in April 1957.
The original B-17 was replaced in 1960 by a former Skyspray fruit fly spraying Fairchild C-82A Packet.
By 1959 the Biegert Brothers business was based at Phoenix AZ with address 5915 E Exeter Blvd, Phoenix
Manager Max L. Biegert was listed with address 8941 North 12th Street, Phoenix
Other aircraft:
Boeing Stearmans N73349, N4809V
Vultee BT-13 N61129
Cessna T50 Bobcat N50022, N61398
Lockheed Lodestar N34E (2082) purchased 10.65, sold 8.70, retired at Mesa-Falcon Field, to Aircraft Specialties Inc.
Lockheed Lodestar N6060 (2623) purchased 2.6.65, sold 10.65 to Mexico
North American T-28A Trojan N8098H (1961-1963, sold to Aircraft Specialties Inc, Mesa AZ)
Beech D50 Twin Bonanza (1964-1968)
|
Boeing B-17F Fortress |
N17W | 42-29782 | 4.53-5.60 | |
sprayer from 1954 modified as fire tanker 5.60 and leased then sold to Abe's Aerial Service, Stafford AZ as tanker #E84 |
| Boeing B-17G | N117W | 44-85806 | 10.56-12.64 |
sprayer from 4.57 sold 12.64 to Bolivia as freighter, to CP-762 | |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N9877C | 44-29145 | 1959-10.61 | Max Biegert, sold 10.61 to Crowl Dusters AZ | |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N3155G | 44-30832 | 1.59-3.59 | Max Biegert, on-sold 3.59 | |
| JB-25J Mitchell | N3337G | 44-86891 | 4.59-12.59 | Max Biegert: purchased at USAF disposal sale | |
| Fairchild C-82 | N4833V | 44-23031 | 4.60-3.61 | Biegert Bros: purchased 29.4.60, sold 30.3.61 |
Max L. Biegert, previously manager of Biegert Brothers Aerial Spraying, Phoenix, formed a new operation Biegert Aviation circa 1974. Financing was gained to allow the purchase of a large fleet of ex-military surplus Douglas C-54 transports then available for civil disposals at Davis Monthan AFB in Tucson. The C-54 was chosen as a reliable and effective spraying platform, which would allow Biegert Aviation to offer wide-scale spraying of insecticides as well as the growing market of ocean oil-slick dispersant spraying.
The C-54 fleet was delivered in 1975 to the original base Falcon Field, Mesa AZ, where they were fitted with fuselage tanks and wing spray bars. A variety of work was undertaken, including forest budworm spraying in Maine and Canada.
Biegert Aviation moved from Falcon Field to nearby Chandler-Memorial airfield during 1980. The stripped parts C-54 was made airworthy for the short ferry flight
In 1989 it was reported that Biegert was leasing a civil C-130 Hercules for an oil slick dispersal contract around oil rigs off the US coastline.
By that time Max Biegert had retired and Biegert Aviation's President was James C. Jeffries.
During 1994 Biegert Aviation President Jim Jeffries announced plans to use some C-54s under the name Classic Air for vacation flights from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon Railway. The tourist railroad business was owned by one Max Biegert!
All C-54s were purchased by Biegert Aviation during 1975 from US Navy surplus sales at Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona
|
Douglas C-54 |
N44904 | Bu56530 | 9.75-1998 | |
purchased 23.9.75 ex US Navy surplus Reg to Biegert 28.10.75. Operated as a sprayer ditched 14.6.79 in Eagle Lake, Maine while spraying against spruce budworm, salvaged; Sold .98 to Cpt Jeff Whitesell's Airliners of America Inc (planned ferry to Camarillo CA for restoration to fly in Western Airlines scheme) but not collected, resold to Brooks Fuel and again not collected: remained stripped at Chandler, derelict by 2015 |
| Douglas C-54 | N44905 | Bu56534 | 9.75-5.79 |
purchased 2.9.75 as N42SB ex International Air ex Davis Monthan 11.2.75; rereg N44905 12.2.76 Operated as a sprayer crashed 15.5.79 on takeoff Mesa AZ | |
| Douglas C-54 | N44906 | Bu90389 | 9.75-3.01 | purchased 2.9.75 as N44SB ex International Air, ex Davis Monthan 11.2.75; rereg N44906 9.76 Operated as a sprayer Sold 3.01 to Brooks Fuel, Fairbanks AK | |
| Douglas C-54 | N44908 | Bu90393 | 9.75-12.97 | purchased 23.9.75 ex US Navy surplus Reg to Biegert 28.10.75. Operated as a sprayer Sold 12.97 to Brooks Fuel, Fairbanks AK | |
| Douglas C-54 | N44909 | Bu90415 | 9.75-1986 | purchased 23.9.75 ex US Navy surplus Reg to Biegert 28.10.75. Operated as a freighter Leased c86 to Seafood Rescourses International Leased 9.88 to Aero Amazonico as HC-BPB, departed Chandler 12.9.88 Reg 23.3.90 N44909 on return to Biegert at Chandler AZ Sold 8.96 to Brooks Fuel, Fairbanks AK | |
| Douglas C-54 | N44910 | Bu56493 | 9.75-12.97 | purchased 22.9.75 ex US Navy surplus Reg to Biegert 28.10.75. Operated as a sprayer Sold 12.97 to Brooks Fuel, Fairbanks AK | |
| Douglas C-54 | N44911 | Bu50857 | 9.75-9.96 | purchased 19.9.75 ex US Navy surplus Reg to Biegert 28.10.75. Operated as a sprayer Sold 9.96 to Brooks Fuel, Fairbanks AK | |
| Douglas C-54 | N44912 | Bu90391 | 9.75-1985 | purchased 22.9.75 ex US Navy surplus Reg to Biegert 28.10.75. Stripped for parts Mesa in faded US Navy scheme, then made operational as sprayer. Retired Chandler mid 1980s, struck-off USCR 8.87, last noted at Chandler 10.98 as stripped hulk, scrapped | |
| Douglas C-54 | N44913 | Bu56542 | 2.75-1981 | purchased 19.2.75 ex US Navy surplus Reg to Biegert 9.75. No civil conversion stored stripped at Mesa in faded USN markings | |
| Douglas C-54 | N44914 | Bu56498 | 2.75-3.96 | purchased 19.2.75 ex US Navy surplus Reg to Biegert 28.10.75. Operated as a sprayer Sold 3.96 to Atlantic Warbirds Inc | |
| Douglas C-54 | N44915 | Bu56528 | 9.75-1981 | purchased 10.9.75 ex Robert Audiss, ex Davis Monthan disposal 21.2.75; no civil conversion, stripped for parts Mesa, stored faded US Navy markings at Mesa, made airworthy for ferry to Chandler 1980. Stripped for engines and parts again, scapped. | |
| Douglas C-54 | N44918 | Bu90409 | 9.75-1981 | purchased 25.9.75 ex US Navy surplus Reg to Biegert 11.11.75. struck-off USCR 9.2.81 | |
| Douglas C-54 | N67109 | Bu50855 | 9.75-12.76 | purchased 16.9.75 ex Robert Audiss, ex Davis Monthan disposal 12.3.75; no civil conversion sold 17.12.76 to Jerry L.Wilson | |
| Douglas C-54 | - | Bu56524 | 9.75-1979 | purchased 19.9.75 ex US Navy surplus, ferried to Mesa, stripped for parts, derelict by 1978 | |
| Douglas C-54 | - | Bu39120 | 9.75- | purchased 24.9.75 ex US Navy surplus stripped for parts. Not seen at Mesa |
Photo by Geoff Goodall
stripped of engines, nose undercarriage and parts. Photo by Geoff Goodall
a ferry flight to the new base in 1980. Seen at Chandler November 1981. Photo by Geoff Goodall
Big Piney Aviation Inc, Post Office Box 98, Big Piney WY
Founded as an aerial insecticide spraying business by Truman E. Miller who lived in the small town of Big Piney. In 1950 he acquired a Douglas B-18A N66809 fitted out for spraying by its previous owner "Ace" Demers of Salem, Oregon. The B-18 was registered in Miller's name, ownership transferring to his wife Midred M. Miller in September 1952 for the next four years until sold to another sprayingoutfit.
Other aircraft:
Cessna 180 N3642C, Cessna 172 N5869A, PA-11 Cub N778838, PA-18 Super Cub N3289Z
| Douglas B-18A | N66809 | 37-554 | 5.50-2.56 | Purchased 16.5.50 ex Leo J. Demers Selem OR sold 27.2.56 to K & C Aviation, Missoula MT | |
|
Fairchild C-82A Packet |
N4830V | 45-57763 | 1.61-7.64 | |
Purchased 7.1.61 ex Truman Miley, Roy UT already tanked for spraying sold 7.64 to Peru as OB-T-749 |
| Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer | N7620C | Bu66260 | By 1963-1964 |
sold c64 to Avery Aviation, Greybull WY, conv. to fire tanker #123 |
Arnold A. Kolb trading as Black Hill Aviation Inc, Spearfish SD commenced fire bombing operations in 1964 with B-17s.
Arnold Kolb had an aerial agricultural business at Beulah, Wyoming with Piper Pawnees in 1966
Two B-17s were acquired from Californian tanker operator Ewing Aviation Co and a business partnership was formed Ewing-Kolb Aircraft, Spearfish SD. This seems to be part of an arrangement in which three Black Hills B-17s had major structural rebuilds at Spearfish by Black Hills Aviation using fuselage and wing sections from other B-17 airframes probably from Ewing spares.
After moving base to Alamogordo NM circa 1971, Black Hills Aviation decided to standardise on Lockheed Neptune air tankers and from 1976 acquired a sizeable fleet of former Royal Canadian Air Force and US Navy aircraft. The first three were purchased already converted as fire tankers, but the following were tanked by Black Hills Aviation at Alamogordo with tanks and delivery system designed by the company.
Company President Arnold Kolb was still a rated Neptune tanker pilot in a 1985 USFS listing, along with his son Nathan Kolb.
By 1993 Arnold Kolb had logged 24,500 flying hours.
Black Hills Aviation was also an aircraft dealership and General Aviation maintenance organisation, with large numbers of Piper, Beech and Cessna types registered to the company over the years. These included top of range aircraft such as new Cessna 208 Caravan N9413F (1.86) and Beech 200 N707BC (9.88)
Arnold Kolb sold Black Hill Aviation's air tanker business in 1993 to the newly-formed Neptune Inc. The maintenance base at Alamogordo were retained, but the operational base moved to Missoula, Montana where the company was renamed Neptune Aviation Services.
|
Boeing B-17G Fortress |
N9323R | 44-85828 | 10.62-1970 | B30 |
purchased 4.10.62 ex Dothan Aviation sprayer, modified to fire tanker #B30, entered service 1964 sold c70 to Aeroflite Inc, Cody WY |
| Boeing B-17G | N66573 | 42-102715 | 7.64-7.79 | 85 A10 B10 C10 10 |
purchased 15.7.64 ex Ewing Aviation #E85 crashed 21.7.79 during fire attack Cayuse Saddle near Superior MT (wreck parts displayed at Mountain Flying Museum at Missoula MT) |
| Boeing B-17G | N73648 | 44-83864 | 4.68-7.72 | E56 | purchased 2.4.68 ex Cal Nat Airways #B11, crashed 12.7.72 during fire attack, Socorro NM |
| Boeing B-17G | N66571 | 44-83814 | 1969-1.82 | A18 C13 09 | purchased .69 ex Kenting Aviation CF-HBP complete airframe rebuild 69-71 at Spearfish SD using sections from other B-17s, reg N66571 Black Hills Avtn 1.4.71, tanker #A18 traded 7.1.82 to National Air & Space Museum, ferried .82 to Pima Air Museum Tucson for storage |
| Boeing B-17G | N6694C | 44-85813 | 8.69-4.80 | C12 12 | purchased 15.8.69 ex Ewing
Aviation CA spare aircraft; ferried to Spearfish .68 for rebuild with
replacement forward fuselage due engine test mods, reg N6694C Black
Hills Avtn 30.7.70, tanker #C12 crashed 16.4.80 on takeoff Bear Pen NC |
| Douglas DC-7 | N6357C | 45490 | 1977-1.80 | - | purchased c77 ex Travel A Go Go Club not tanked, advertised for sale 5.78 by Arnold Kolb sold 1.80 to C. Ricks, McAllen TX as a freighter |
| Lockheed P-2H Neptune | N14447 | RCAF 24110 | 1975-9.93 | 11 | purchased .75 ex Johnson Flying Service, MT sold 13.9.93 to Neptune Inc, Alamagordo |
| P-2H Neptune | N14448 | RCAF 24113 | 1975 | A16 | purchased .75 ex Johnson Flying Service, MT crashed destroyed Wenatchee WA 1975 |
| P-2H Neptune | N65170 | RCAF 24125 | 1975-9.90 | 17 08 | purchased .75 ex Johnson Flying Service, crashed 30.9.90 fire bombing Montesano WA |
| SP-2E Neptune | N96278 | Bu131459 | 10.76-9.93 | 05 | purchased 29.10.76 ex US Navy disposals Davis Monthan AFB AZ, conv. to tanker sold 13.9.93 to Neptune Inc, Alamagordo |
| SP-2E Neptune | N96271 | Bu131434 | 1977-9.93 | 07 | purchased 5.11.76 ex US Navy disposals Davis Monthan AFB AZ, conv to tanker CofA 18.5.77 crashed 10.9.87 fire bombing White Sands Missile Range NM |
| SP-2E Neptune | N9855F | Bu131445 | 1977-9.93 | 06 | purchased .77 ex US Navy disposals Davis Monthan AFB AZ via Granek Co sold 13.9.93 to Neptune Inc, Alamagordo |
| SP-2E Neptune | N96264 | Bu128346 | 11.75-9.93 | 12 | purchased 11.11.76 ex US Navy disposals Davis Monthan AFB AZ sold 13.9.93 to Neptune Inc, Alamagordo |
| SP-2H Neptune | N4235N | Bu144681 USAF | 6.81-9.93 | 10 | purchased 8.6.81 ex US Navy disposals Davis Monthan AFB AZ sold 13.9.93 to Neptune Inc, Alamagordo |
| SP-2H Neptune | N4235T | Bu150282 USAF | 6.81-9.93 | 09 | purchased 8.6.81 ex US Navy disposals Davis Monthan AFB AZ, conv to tanker, CofA 3.5.84 sold 13.9.93 to Neptune Inc, Alamagordo |
| SP-2E Neptune | N13852 | Bu131506 | 3.82-9.93 | - | purchased 3.82 ex Consolidated Aeronautical Corp no civil conversion stored Alamagordo stripped USN markings sold 13.9.93 to Neptune Inc, Alamagordo |
| SP-2E Neptune | N13859 | Bu131463 | 3.82-9.93 | - | purchased 3.82 ex Consolidated Aeronautical Corp no civil conversion stored Alamagordo stripped USN markings sold 13.9.93 to Neptune Inc, Alamagordo |
| SP-2E Neptune | N1386C | Bu128422 | 3.82-9.93 | - | purchased 3.82 ex Consolidated Aeronautical Corp no civil conversion stored Alamagordo stripped USN markings sold 13.9.93 to Neptune Inc, Alamagordo later rebuilt as tanker #113 |
| SP-2E Neptune | N1386K | Bu 131434 | 3.82-9.93 | - | purchased 3.82 ex Consolidated Aeronautical Corp no civil conversion stored Alamagordo stripped USN markings sold 13.9.93 to Neptune Inc, Alamagordo rebuilt 1995 at Alamagordo as tanker #07 |
| SP-2H Neptune | N918AP | Bu145918 | 4.88-9.93 | 04 | purchased 4.88 ex Aerospace Products Inc sold 13.9.93 to Neptune Inc, Alamagordo |
| P-3A Orion | Spanish P.3-6 | Bu150513 | 1992-1994 | - | ex Spanish Air Force P.3-6 '22-25" parked at Alamagordo in Spanish markings by 11.92, planned conversion to fire tanker not commenced; ferried to tech college Abilene Airport TX later to Aero Union as tanker N920AU #20 |
"N65170 #08" on left side, "N14448 #08" on other side, was not a Black Hills aircraft. It is in fact SP-2H Bu147957/N7060X,
ex Hawkins & Powers Aviation storage stock, acquired by Pima via the USAF Museum.
fire in the nearby Bighorn Mountain range. Photo by Geoff Goodall
It later became tanker #113 with Neptune Aviation Services. Photo by Geoff Goodall
Black Hills Aviation coffee cup in the company office at Alamogordo NM
Founded early 1950s by Eldon Down at La Grande Airport, Oregon as an agricultural spraying company.
Between 1958-1962 tanked and operated a number of USAF surplus North American B-25 Mitchells for fire bombing
The operation was taken over in 1962 by Gerald D. Wilson with new name Hillcrest Aircraft Company, P.O.Box 12, La Grande OR
Other aircraft:
Boeing Stearman N1181N, N3955B, N3960B, N49700, N49255, N56236, N5685N, N58712, N58957, N62775
Beech AT-7 N8036H purchased 12.10.56 ex USAF disposals, CofA 30.4.57, tfd 7.62 to Hillcrest Aircraft Co
Cessna 180 N1530C, N5329D
Aeronca 7AC N83841
Bell 47 N6752D
| North American TB-25N Mitchell | N2887G | 44-86716 | 9.58-3.61 | purchased 10.9.58 ex USAF disposals sales at Davis Monthan AFB AZ, 1000 gallon retardant tank installed 5.59, sold 3.61 to Idaho Aircraft, Boise ID | |
|
TB-25J Mitchell |
N2888G | 44-86872 | 9.58-3.61 | |
purchased 10.9.58 ex USAF disposals sales at Davis Monthan AFB AZ sold 3.61 to Idaho Aircraft, Boise ID |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N9856C | 43-28204 | 9.58-3.61 |
purchased 10.9.58 ex USAF disposals sales at Davis Monthan AFB AZ 1000 gallon retardant tank installed 5.59, sold 3.61 to Idaho Aircraft, Boise ID as tanker | |
| TN-25N Mitchell | N9857C | 43-28059 | 9.58-12.59 | purchased 10.9.58 ex USAF disposals sales at Davis Monthan AFB AZ 1000 gallon retardant tank installed 4.59, sold 12.59 to Red Dodge, Alaska as tanker #4 | |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N5239V | 44-30079 | 1.59-4.59 | purchased 1.59 ex Mack Ballard CA already tanked sold 4.59 to Ballard & associates, Riverside CA | |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N3503G | 44-30085 | 7.59-7.60 | purchased 7.59 ex USAF disposals sales at Davis Monthan AFB AZ via Ace Smelting Inc, 1000 gallon retardant tank installed 9.59 destroyed 22.7.60 during fire attack near Baker OR, structural failure of wing spar | |
| TB-25K Mitchell | N9642C | 44-29725 | 6.59-9.59 | registered 24.6.59 Blue Mountain struck-off USCR 15.9.59 | |
| TB-25M Mitchell | N8194H | 44-86749 | 7.59-2.63 | purchased 7.59 ex USAF disposals sales at Davis Monthan AFB AZ via Ace Smelting Inc tfd 7.62 to Hillcrest Aircraft Co, La Grande OR sold 2.63 to H.M.Trusell, Houston TX | |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N3521G | 44-86853 | 12.59-5.67 | purchased 12.59 ex Red Dodge, Anchorage AK 1000 gallon retardant tank installed tfd 7.62 to Hillcrest Aircraft Co, La Grande OR converted 5.63 to pesticide spraying with wing leading-edge spray bars, converted 7.63 back to fire retardant tanker destroyed by fire 6.5.67 on ground after emergency landing at Red Bluff CA | |
| Douglas A-26 Invader | N9161Z | 43-22621 | by 1962 | F23 | tfd 7.62 to Hillcrest Aircraft Co, La Grande OR |
| Douglas A-26 | N9159Z | 43-22673 | by 1962 | F24 | tfd 7.62 to Hillcrest Aircraft Co, La Grande OR |
Les Bowman, Bowman Engineering Co, Long Beach Airport, CA
- An early fire tanker operator using USAF disposals North American B-25 Mitchells. No apparent connection with John Bowman (see previous)
- Bowman operated in partnership with Paul Mantz Air Service, Santa Ana CA to promote aerial fire bombing. The enterprise was named
Les Bowman and Paul Mantz Air Service. The high profile movie aviator Paul Mantz sent two Les Bowman B-25 tankers to Caracas, Venezuela for the 1960 fire season. One was sold to the Venezuelan Government while the other B-25 returned to California. The following year a different Bowman B-25 tanker was ferried to Caracas for the 1961 season before returning to California
- Press report of the 22 July 1960 crash of B-25 N3446G states three persons on board were killed, the two pilots and "the owner of the aircraft and employer of the victims". Whether that was John Bowman has not been established.
| North American TB-25D Mitchell | N7493C | 43-3376 | 9.57-10.57 | Reg 12.9.57 ex USAF disposals sold 10.57 to Paul Mantz Air Service, Santa Ana CA as a fire tanker | |
| B-25H Mitchell | N3970C | 43-4999 | (1957) | purchased .57 ex Babb Co in stock military configuration with guns: sale not completed | |
| B-25J Mitchell | N3969C | 43-36075 | (1957) | purchased 11.57 ex Babb Co in stock military configuration with guns: sale not completed | |
| TB-25K Mitchell | N7707C | 44-30690 | 6.58-10.58 | reg 16.6.58 Les Bowman ex USAF disposals sold 10.58 | |
|
TB-25J Mitchell |
N5256V | 43-28222 | 1.58-11.64 | 81 |
Reg 13.1.58 Les Bowman ex USAF disposals, converted 4.59 to fire tanker with 1,000 gallon tank operated .60 to Paul Mantz Air Service as #81 fire bombing contract in Venezuela sold 2.63 to Zack Monroe, Burbank CA as sprayer repurchased 11.63 by Les Bowman, Long Beach sold 11.64 to Cal Nat Airways CA |
| Douglas A-26 Invader | N7705C | 44-35710 | 3.58 | Purchased 3.58 ex USAF disposals for $2,084. Reg 3.58 Les Bowman, Balboa, California Sold | |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N3516G | 44-29035 | 7.59-5.60 | 82 |
Purchased 7.59 ex National Metals, Tucson AZ, reg. to Les Bowman & Paul Mantz, Santa Ana CA; conv. 11.59 to fire tanker with 1,000 gallon tank, leased .60 to Paul Mantz Air Services as #82 fire bombing contract in Venezuala, sold 5.60 to Venezuelan Air Force |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N3515G | 44-31042 | 7.59-11.64 | Purchased 7.59 ex National Metals, Tucson AZ, reg. to Les Bowman & Paul Mantz, Santa Ana CA; conv. 11.59 to fire tanker with 1,000 gallon tank sold 2.63 to Zack Monroe, Burbank CA as sprayer repurchased 11.63 by Les Bowman, Long Beach sold 11.64 to Cal Nat Airways CA | |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N9456Z | 44-29939 | 5.60-11.61 | Purchased 5.60 ex National Metals, Tucson AZ, reg. to Les Bowman & Paul Mantz, Santa Ana CA; civil conversion, CofA issued 19.9.61; sold 11.61 to Tallmantz Aviation for avionics tests | |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N9455Z | 44-30210 | 5.60-11.64 | 82 | Purchased 5.60 ex National Metals, Tucson AZ, reg. to Les Bowman & Paul Mantz, Santa Ana CA; conv. 8.60 to fire tanker with 1,000 gallon tank, flown to Caracas .61 for next fire season as #82 sold 2.62 to Zack Monroe, Burbank CA as sprayer repurchased 11.63 by Les Bowman, Long Beach retired u/s at Grass Valley CA by 1963 sold 11.64 to Cal Nat Airways CA |
An early operator of Consolidated Catalinas as fire tankers. The company ceased operating by 1969 when all Catalinas were sold.
Other aircraft: Beech C-45G N5246V (by 1963, sold .65)
|
PBY-6A Catalina |
N6453C | Bu64041 | 1962-1967 | E54 |
purchased c1962 ex Sonora Flying Service, Columbia CA modified with Wright Cyclones as a Super Cat sold c67 to Cal Nat Airways, Grass Valley CA |
| Canso A | N9752Z | RCAF 11040 | 4.62-11.64 | E48 | purchased 4.62 ex C.J.Redmon minor damage 9.8.64 undercarriage retracted during landing Columbia Airport CA sold 11.64 to Urrutia Aviation Enterpises Miami FL |
| PBY-6A Catalina | N2886D | Bu64034 | by 1963-1967 | E49 |
modified with Wright Cyclones as a Super Cat sold c67 to Sis-Q Flying Service, CA as #E49 |
| PBY-6A Catalina | N2887D | Bu64098 | by 1963 | E93 | modified with Wright Cyclones as a Super Cat sold 2.7.63 to Routh Aircraft, Tucson AZ |
Cal Butler was born in Redmond in November 1918 and learnt to fly at age 15. He was a USAAF pilot during WWII and when his P-38 was shot down over Europe in June 1944. he was captured and held as a German PoW. After the war back home in Oregon he established Butler Farm Air Service Co in March 1946 to conduct agricultural spraying intially with three Piper Cubs. He moved on to a fleet of Boeing Stearmans, and later Grumman Wildcats and TBM Avenger sprayers before deciding in late 1950s to enter the growing aerial fire bombing business. He began with two TBMs followed by more TBMs, F78F Tigercats and a B-17.
Butler Farm Air Service was FBO for Redmond Airport, for refuelling and maintenance for over 50 years.
Butler Aircraft associate Butler Rental Co at Redmond provided general aviation light aircraft hire
The Butler agricutural spraying business used a variety of types:
Boeing Stearman: at least six, re-engined with P&W R-985s removed from surplus Vultee BT-13s which were then discarded: N3956B, N49292, N4764V, N62934, N63070
Convair L-13 N4961V sold to Rosenbalm Aviation Medford OR
Stinson L-5 Sentinel N49279. N57254, N54920, N54769, N69091
Grumman FM-2 Wildcat: 5 operated as sprayers with underwing chemical tanks, N1352N, N58918 are the only ones yet identified
The agricultural spraying operation seems to have been taken over during the 1960s by Henderson Aviation Co which shared the same Corvallis P.O. Box address as Calvin Butler. By 1966 Boeing Stearmans owned by Henderson included N1069N, N1222N, N4797V, N4764V, N52273, N56769, N57047, N58703. Henderson Aviation also had a base at Eugene OR with Bell 47 sprayers.
Butler Aircraft Co was established as an associated company in 1963 to take over the fire bombing operations. To add Klamath Falls OR as a tanker base Butler bought out Liston Aircraft at Klamath Falls but did not use their Catalina fire tankers, on-selling them to other operators.
A Butler Aircraft Co hangar was destroyed by fire at Redmond Airport on 30 December 1969, claiming the following Butler aircraft parked inside: Douglas A-26 N9161Z, Stearman N63070, Cessna U206 N4880F. In addition two PA-18 Super Cubs, a Beech Bonanza and Stinson 108 owned by local owners were lost. The financial ramifications of that hangar fire had a serious impact on Butler's ability to maintain the services required by the USFS contracts, resulting in Calvin Butler selling 50% of his company in 1972 to Californian fire bomber business TBM Inc, Tulare CA. Butler Aircraft Co became a subsidiary of TBM Inc, but TBM Inc President Hank Moore allowed both companies continue under their own names and management, but on a shared basis, pooling resources and aircraft. USFS annual tanker contracts often listed Butler DC-7s as operated by TBM Inc, and show TBM Inc's address as Redmond OR. Hank Moore visited the Butler operation at Redmond 3 or 4 times each year.
One of the worst tragedies in the history of the US fire tanker business occurred on 14 September 1979 when Butler's DC-7 N4SW struck a mountain ridge after departing Klamath Falls OR on a night visual sector to Medford OR. The DC-7 had worked a fire that day before departing Redmond in the evening, the two pilots carrying 8 Butler personnel to a celebration at Medford OR, via a stop at Klamath Falls to collect two more staff based there. All 12 on board were killed. The accident investigation suggested pilot familiarity with the area contributed to the flight crew's decision to make the night flight at low level.
A combined Butler Aircraft/TBM Inc investment to transition into turbines resulted in each company putting a C-130A into service, with high tech computerised retardant dump sysems. Butler's N531BA tanker #67 entered service in 1991, only to have its USFS contracts cancelled the following year. Structural failure accidents to C-130A and PB4Y aircraft during the 1992 fire season resulted in USFS dropping both types permanently. Worse was to come. The USFS attitude against aging piston-engined tankers came to a head in 1994 when no annual contracts were awarded to Butler's DC-7s. Half the Butler workforce lost their jobs. The way it was handled infuriated Calvin Butler and his team who made strong protests. Calvin died two months later at age 85.
TBM Inc took over management of Butler, which was now flying vastly reduced hours on fire fighting and support work for State agencies in Oregon and California. In October 1996 Butler Aircraft Co was purchased by longtime Ops Manager Nan Garnick and her husband Travis.
Butler Aircraft Co continued at Redmond until taken over by the newly-formed Erickson Aero Tankers in 2012, commencing with three of the former Butler DC-7s.
Other aircraft:
Mooney M20 N7158U, N6666U
Champion 7AC N81578
Piper Cub N35774, N32991
Piper PA-16 N5278H
Piper PA-22 N7235D
Piper PA-28 N6719W
plus numerous Cessna singles from late 1960s onwards. Cessna U206F N4880F was destroyed in the Butler hangar fire at Redmond 30.12.69
The aircraft in the following listing were registered in the names of Calvin J. Butler, Butler Aircraft Co, Butler Farm Air Service Inc or Butler Rental Co, all with the same address at Redmond Airport:
|
Grumman TBM Avenger |
N9596C | Bu69361 | pre 1963 | E19 | purchased ex USN disposals, Litchfield Park AZ tanked by Clayton Curtiss at Visalia CA sold by 1963 to P& B Aviation CA |
| Grumman TBM | N9597C | Bu85499 | pre 1963 | purchased ex USN disposals, Litchfield Park AZ tanked by Clayton Curtiss at Visalia CA sold 10.6.63 to Johnson Flying Service MT | |
| two additional TBMs used late 50s, not identified one traded .61 to Aero Union on B-17 N5237V | |||||
| Boeing B-17G/ PB-1W | N5237V | Bu77233 | 12.61-c1974 | E15 F15 65 | purchased 27.9.61 ex Aero Union Corp CA conv. to fire tanker 5.62 as sprayer, later modified as fire tanker tfd c74 to TBM Inc, Sequoia CA |
| Grumman F7F-3P Tigercat | N7235C | Bu80425 | 1959-c1967 | F17 | Butler's first Tigercat, purchased 1959 sold c67 to TBM Inc SequoiaCA |
| Grumman F7F-3P | N6129C | Bu80390 | 5.63-6.66 | F16 | purchased 9.5.63 ex Johnson Flying Service MT sold 6.66 to TBM Inc, Sequoia CA |
| Grumman F7F-3 | N7654C | Bu80373 | by63-c1968 | F18 | sold c68 to TBM Inc, Sequoia CA |
| Douglas A-26 Invader | N5457V | 44-34313 | 1965-11.74 | A20 16 | purchased .65 ex Wilson Aviation Industries ID sold 13.11.74 to Conair, Canada as C-GHLK |
| Douglas A-26 | N9161Z | 43-22621 | 9.65-12.69 | F23 17 | purchased 14.9.65 ex Hillcrest Aircraft ID #F23 leased 6.69 to Conair, Canada destroyed 30.12.69 in hangar fire Redmond OR |
| Douglas A-26 | N9159Z | 43-22673 | 1965-11.74 | F18 18 | purchased .65 ex Hillcrest Aircraft ID #F24 sold 13.11.74 to Conair, Canada as C-GHLM |
| Douglas DC-6 | N90739 | 43044 | 1970s | 68 | operated for periods from TBM Inc, Sequoia CA Retired at Redmond OR sold to Everts Air Fuel AK for parts, remainder of airframe scrapped at Redmond 2007 |
| Douglas DC-7 | N6318C | 44282 | 3.73-2007 | F17 67 | purchased 3.73 ex Argosy Travel Club tanked with AU design belly tank, CofA 24.5.73 retired Redmond by 1990 due wing spar cracks, used as engine test bed. scrapped Redmond 2007, struck-off USCR 23.8.07 |
| Douglas DC-7 | N6353C | 45486 | .73-3.75 | 66 | purchased .73 ex Ports of Call Travel Club tanked with Aero Union belly tank and drop system tfd 3.75 to TBM Inc, Sequoia CA tfd 8.82 ex TBM Inc, Sequoia CA sold 11.2012 to Erickson Aero Tanker |
| Douglas DC-7 | N4SW | 44287 | 8.73-9.79 | 69 | purchased 27.8.73 ex dealer Aero Union belly tank and drop system, destroyed 14.9.79 near Klamath Falls OR, struck mountain on travel flight at night, 12k |
| Douglas DC-7C | N74303 | 44885 | 1975-5.78 | - | purchased .74 ex Club International not tanked, stored at Redmond OR, sold 5.78 to Kevin OMahony, arrived Miami on delivery 5.78 still Club International paintwork |
| Douglas DC-7 | N401US | 45145 | 3.76-2012 | 14 62 | purchased 3.76 ex Aero Union CA tanker #14 sold 11.2012 to Erickson Aero Tanker |
| Douglas DC-7B | N756Z | 45400 | 4.78-10.85 | - | purchased 4.78 ex BMR Aviation Tfd 5.80 to TBM Inc, Sequoia CA not tanked, stored at Fresno CA 82-86, ferried to Redmond by 89, parked as a parts source sold 11.2012 to Erickson Aero Tanker |
| Douglas DC-7B | N838D | 45347 | 8.82-2012 | 60 | Transferred 8.82 ex TBM Inc, Sequoia CA sold 11.2012 to Erickson Aero Tanker |
| Fairchild C-123K | N3836A | 54-0610 | 8.83-88 | (65) | acquired 3.83 by TBM Inc,Sequois CA Reg 8.83 N4836A to Butler Aircraft Co USFS allocated Tanker #65 to TBM Inc, stored Sequoia CA in USAF camouflage, not tanked traded to USAF Museum in 1988 and ferried to Hill AFB Museum Utah |
| Lockheed C-130A | N531BA | 56-0531 | 3.91-11.06 | 67 | Registered 8.3.91 to Butler, after storage at Chico. Flew 130 hrs in 1991 & 1992 seasons, then grounded by USFS ban on the type tfd 9.11.06 to TBM Inc, Sequoia CA |
| Lockheed C-130A | N479TM | 57-0479 | 12.91-2012 | - | Registered 13.12.91 to TBM Inc no civil conversion stored Redmond in USAF camouflage 1992-2012 ferried to Visalia CA 2012 still camouflage |
A replacement rudder has yet to be painted to restore the tail tanker code #16. Photo by Ron Olsen
Butler B-17 N5237V tanker #15 at the Butler Aircraft Co hangar, Redmond OR in October 1973. Photo by Jay Sherlock
Photo by Barney Deatrick
Butler DC-7B N6318C tanker #67 at Tulare CA during 1992 while on contract to the Bureau of Land Management.
Photo by John Chapman
Photo by John Chapman
on a night travel flight in September 1979, killing 12 Butler Aircraft Co employees.
Photo by Geoff Goodall
Photographed at Sequoia in October 1987 by Gordon Reid
two fire seasons, but was now grounded by the USFS ban on Hercules tankers. Photo by Geoff Goodall
Cal-Nat Airways Inc, Loma Rica Airport, Grass Valley CA. Associate company was Cal-Nat Airways Corp
Founded in 1958 as Californian National Airways by Robert J. (Jim) Stevenson at Grass Valley. Commenced with Twin Beech tankers.
Stevenson and George Kreitzberg of Kreitzberg Aviation, Salem Oregon teamed up during 1958 to develop an effective retardant tank system for the Grumman F7F Tigercat. Fibreglass internal and belly tanks of 800 or 900 gallons capacity were designed, constructed and tested. When approved, the tank system was built by Kreitzberg for Cal-Nat and other operators. The partnership is reported to have purchased a total of 16 Grumman F7F-3s which became the source for most Tigercat tankers.
Cal-Nat Airways became a major USFS fire tanker player through the 1960s with a large and varied fleet.
By 1970 the operation had been taken over by Sis Q Flying Service, Montague California.
Ralph M. Ponte, Grass Valley CA was a maintenance engineer and tanker pilot with Cal-Nat Airways who remained based at Grass Valley into the 1980s, flying 24 consecutive seasons for different companies. A sideline business in his Grass Valley hangar was acquiring and rebuilding former tankers to restore back to military configuration for resale as warbirds.
Other aircraft:
Beech D18S N44620 (A-28) 1963-64
Beech C-45G Conrad 9800D trigear N7203C (AF-131) 1967-1969
Beech C-45G N9542Z (AF-674) 1965
Beech C-45G N9663C registered to R.J. Stevenson, Grass Valley 1968-1970
North American Harvard N16730 (75-3473) 1966-1969
North American Harvard N28500 (66-2583) 1966-1969
Champion 7AC N82107, N82859 both sold in 1964
Cessna 172 N7215T,
Cessna 182 N2970Y, N2846F, N3570Y
Bell 47 N73991, N8529F
|
Beech AT-11 Kansan |
N6957C | 43-10383 | 1958-7.60 | |
crashed 11.7.60 fire bombing near Yuba City CA |
| Beech AT-11 | N6656C | 43-37323 | 1958-1970 | 90 |
retardant tank installed inside bombay, based Ramona CA for 1960 season tanker #90 struck-off USCR 13.1.72 |
| Beech C18S | N68854 | 43-35618 | 11.59-1970 | purchased 12.11.59 struck-off USCR 13.1.72 | |
| Grumman F7F-3 Tigercat | N7626C | Bu80404 | c1960-1969 | E42 | purchased c1960 ex Aero Ads Inc skywriter sold .69 to Sis Q Flying Service, Montague CA |
| Grumman F7F-3N | N7627C | Bu80410 | c1960-1969 | crashed landing 31.8.62 Grass Valley sold as wreck .69 to Sis-Q Flying Service | |
| Grumman F7F-3N | N7628C | Bu80412 | c1960-1969 | E59 | crashed landing 7.6.66 gear-up Grass Valley CA sold as wreck .69 to Sis-Q Flying Service |
| Grumman F7F-3N | N7629C | Bu80374 | 8.60-1968 | E62 E41 | purchased 24.8.60, 800 gallon retardant tank installed 6.64 sold .68 to Sis-Q Flying Service, Montague CA |
| Grumman F7F-3 | N6178C | Bu80483 | 1964-1968 | E43 | purchased .64 ex George Kreitzberg , Salem OR struck trees during fire bombing Ukiah CA 7.8.66 but landed safely sold .68 to Sis-Q Flying Service, Montague CA |
| Grumman F7F-3 | N7238C | Bu80525 | 1963 | E41 | leased 1963 season ex Dick Gordon, Santa Rosa CA |
| Grumman F7F-3 | N7619C | Bu80400 | 1963 | E43 | leased 1963 season ex Dick Gordon, Santa Rosa CA |
| Grumman TBM Avenger | N9651C | Bu91664 | by 1962-5.67 | E57 | crashed 24.5.67 on takeoff from a road Jiggs NV to Ralph M. Ponte, Grass Valley: rest. as warbird |
| Grumman TBM | N6825C | Bu85883 | by 1963-1968 | E37 | leased ex Ralph M. Ponte, Grass Valley sold .68 to Hemet Valley Flying Service CA |
| Boeing B-17G Fortress | N73648 | 44-83864 | 3.64-4.68 | B11 | purchased 6.3.64 ex Mark Hurd Aerial Surveys , lengthy rebuild at Grass Valley and conv to tanker sold 2.4.68 to Black Hills Aviation SD |
| North American TB-25J Mitchell | N5256V | 43-28222 | 12.64-1970 | purchased 12.64 ex Les Bowman CA retired, stripped at Grass Valley by 1968 to Ralph M. Ponte, Grass Valley: rest. as warbird | |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N9455Z | 44-30210 | 12.64-2.70 | purchased 12.64 ex Les Bowman CA retired, stripped at Grass Valley 1963-1968 sold 2.70 to Sis-Q Flying Servuces | |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N3515G | 44-31042 | 12.64-1970 | purchased 12.64 ex Les Bowman CA retired stripped at Grass Valley | |
| Northrop F-15A Reporter | N9768Z | 45-59300 | 1965-1967 | E35 | owned by Aero Enterprises Inc, Fresno CA tanked by Cal-Nat Airways early 1964 for AE leased by Cal-Nat for 1965-67 seasons |
| PBV-1A Canso/ Steward-Davis Super Catalina | N609FF | RCAF 11060 | 1964-1965 | E40 | leased ex Firefly Inc, Portland OR land-based water or chemical retardant tanker |
| PBY-6A Catalina | N6453C | Bu64041 | 1967-1968 | E54 | purchased ex B.B. Burson, Columbia CA #E54 sold .68 to Hemet Valley Flying Service CA |
| PB4Y-2 Privateer | N6813D | Bu59876 | 4.67-11.69 | - | purchased 10.4.67 ex Loening Air, Boise ID noted Grass Valley 7.67 engineless, spraybars, sold 11.69 to Hawkins & Powers Aviation WY |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N2887G | 44-86716 | 4.67-12.67 | purchased 10.4.67 ex Loening Air, Boise ID sold 12.67 to DuPre Air Activities, Puerto Rico |
An
early Cal-Nat Airways F7F Tigercat N7626C seen at Oakland Airport CA
early 1960s. Photo by William T. Larkins
Photo by Gordon Reid
Californian National Air Service Inc, Pacheco CA (1978), to Concord CA (1979), to Richmond CA (1981)
Operated a Douglas DC-4 on USFS fire tanker contracts
|
Douglas DC-4 |
N31356 | 42914 | 2.76-9.82 | 117 |
purchased 5.2.76 ex Canada, noted at Oakland CA 7.76 #117 sold 9.82 to Central Air Service as #117 |
is a different design to those used on most C-54s. Photo by Geoff Goodall
Capitol Aire Inc, Carson City Airport NV
Tanker operator, the company name reflecting Carson City being the Nevada state capitol.
| Grumman TBM Avenger | N7226C | Bu85938 | 4.70-c1975 | 44 | purchased 4.70 ex Sonora Aviation, Carson City NV sold c75 to Craig Aero Service, Buttonwillow CA |
| Grumman TBM | N6447C | Bu53575 | 1970-c1975 | 47 | purchased .70 ex Sonora Aviation, Carson City NV sold c75 to Craig Aero Service, Buttonwillow CA |
| Grumman TBM | N9433Z | Bu91586 | 1970-c1975 | 56 | purchased .70 ex Sonora Aviation, Carson City NV sold c75 to Craig Aero Service, Buttonwillow CA |
| Grumman TBM | N5260V | Bu91726 | c1971-c1975 | purchased c71 ex Aero Union Corp CA sold c75 to Bernard Hinman, Liberal KS |
Operated a leased B-17 tanker under his own name for the 1983 season on a USFS contract. The B-17G N3509G was owned by Los Angeles aircraft dealer Richard M. Vartanian who handled large numbers of military disposals aircraft, specialising in P-51 Mustangs. It was registered to Aircraft Component Equipment Supplies Inc, Klamath Falls OR 3.82-7.90 but was retired at Stockton CA from 1984 onwards.
Other aircraft owned by Alvin Celcer:
- P-51D Mustang N12066 (1964-65)
- Beech D18S N8616A (1965-66)
- Beech C18S N52722 (1968) Wenatchee WA
- Grumman Widgeon N9311R (1975-78) Casa Grande AZ
| Boeing B-17G Fortress |
N3509G | 44-85877 | 1983 | 102 | leased ex Aircraft Component Equipment Supplies 1983 USFS season (at least) |
Formed in 1972 by William A. Dempsay, Rantoul, Kansas to take over the fire tanker operations of Wenatchee Air Service Inc
(also trading as Wenairco Inc and Wenair). Bill Dempsay was widely known from from his long experience in the insecticide and chemical spraying business with his family's Kansas based companies D&D Aero Inc, D&D Aerial Spraying Inc, D & D Aero Spraying Inc,
Central Air Maintenance Inc. He had also bought into Maricopa Dust & Spray Inc, Maricopa Arizona.
During Dempsay's move into fire bombing, a variety of aircraft types were used which were registered in his name or his various companies, until Central Air Service was fully established and gaining USFS contracts. Outside fire season, some of CAS aircraft were ferried to Dempsay's farm property at Rantoul, Kansas for winter storage and maintenance. As an indication of the variety of types operated by Dempsay's companies at that time, this report by Paul Veenboer lists aircaft he saw at "Highland Farm", Rantoul KS on 5 June 1976:
Douglas A-26 N7086C "43", N74874 "107", N7954C "106", N9682C "105"
Lockheed PV-2 N6651D "40", N9682C "105", N6853C
Lockheed L18 N555H ex sprayer
Boeing O-47B N73716
Boeing Stearman N61673
NA T-6 Texan N9522C single seat sprayer, N7008C wreck
Beech AT-11 N6669C, XA-SED stripped
Kaman OH-43D Bu139975 ex USMarines, stripped
By 1975 Dempsay had decided to standardise on Douglas C-54s which were coming up for military disposal at Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona. CAS was to acquire twelve C-54s, most of which were fitted with 2,000 gallon belly retardant tanks. As well as USFS fire attack contracts, CAS gained Bureau of Land Management contracts in Alaska.
Another Dempsay assocaited business was Maricopa Aircraft Service, Tucson AZ, later Rantoul KS.
The CAS C-54 fleet was maintained at Tucson AZ and Maricopa AZ, later Tucson AZ and Tucson-Ryan Field AZ. During the 1980s, loss of work resulted in the majority being retired on various Arizona airfields. In April 1985 Bill Dempsay was advertising eight C-54s available for sale "ready to fly".
Central Air Service had ceased air tanker operations and the company's focus was on the sale of its remaining aircraft fleet. Bill Dempsay personally ferried most of the aircraft between storage locations and to new owners.
Meanwhile at his rural farm airfield at Rantoul KS, Bill Dempsay continued with his other aviation ventures, including aircraft sales, jet airliner repossessions, rebuilding DC-3s and restoring ex-military aircraft which were traded with the USAF Museum in return for Convair C-131s. These Convairs were civil-registered to Central Air Service Inc while their commercial resale as freighters was undertaken.
The listing below shows Bill Dempsay had an affinity for the N number of the Privateer N6816D which he flew at Wenatchee WA in 1972 during the take over Wenatchee Air Service. Ten years later that registration and the uncomfortably close N816D, were used in a confusing series of C-54 ownership moves.
See also: D & D Aerial Spraying, Rantoul KS
| Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer | N6816D | Bu59905 | 1972 | 42 | tfd ex Wenairco burnt out 27.7.72 Wenatchee WA after emergency landing due in-flight fire. wreck sections sold to Sergio Tomassoni AZ |
| Boeing B-17G Fortress | N3509G | 44-85778 | 6.72-7.78 | F42 42 102 | purchased 2.6.72 ex Aero Union Corp CA #16, sold 6.7.78 to Western Air Contractors UT |
|
Douglas A-26 Invader |
N5544V | 44-35552 | 1974-6.81 | 104 |
purchased .74 ex Rosenbalm Avtn OR #12 sold 6.81 to Kinney Air Tankers MT |
| Douglas A-26 | N9682C | 41-39320 | c1972-1980 | 105 |
leased ex D&D Aero Spraying, Rantoul KS sold .80 to Confederate Air Force TX |
| Douglas A-26 | N7954C | 44-35724 | 1974-1980 | 106 | purchased .74 ex Rosenbalm Avtn OR #83 traded .80 to USAF Museum, to Beale AFB CA |
| Douglas A-26 | N74874 | 44-34508 | 1974-6.81 | 107 | purchased .74 ex Rosenbalm Avtn OR #74 sold 6.81 to Kinney Air Tankers MT |
| Douglas A-26 | N3428G | 44-35523 | c1972-6.81 | 108 | purchased .74 ex Rosenbalm Avtn OR #F29 sold 6.81 to Kinney Air Tankers MT |
| Douglas A-26 | N8026E | 44-35323 | c1973-1977 | 55 | purchased c73 ex Aero Union Corp CA #C55 sold .77 to Don Goodman, Missoula MT |
| Douglas A-26 | N3428G | 44-35523 | 7.85-Current | repurchased 5.7.85 ex Kinney MT ferried to Rantoul KS .85, parked since all metallic | |
| Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon | N6853C | Bu37159 | 2.81-5.81 12.85-6.87 | 176 | D&D Aerial Spaying, Rantoul KS 12.67-10.79, repurchased by CAS 4.2.81 ex Kinney Air Tankers MT sold 6.5.81 back to Kinney Air Tankers MT repurchased 3.12.85 ex Dennis Hill, Richey MT conv. from sprayer to fire tanker .85 sold 3.6.87 to Kinney Air Tankers MT |
| Lockheed PV-2 | N7086C | Bu37444 | c1972-1973 | F43 | leased ex D&D Aero Spraying, Rantoul KS sold .73 to John Hamersley MO |
| Lockheed PV-2D | N6651D | Bu37537 | 1974-2.81 | E40 | tfd ex Wenairco sold 26.2.81 to Kinney Air Tankers MT |
| Lockheed PV-2D | N6657D | Bu64062 | 1974-2.79 | 101 | tfd ex Wenairco sold 26.2.79 to Kinney Air Tankers MT |
| Douglas DC-7B | N816D | 45085 | 6.73-11.80 | 45 111 | purchased 6.73 ex Artnell Corp, Chicago IL conv. to fire tanker crashed destroyed 28.11.80 on takeoff Pecos TX |
| Douglas DC-7B | N823D | 45332 | 2.74-2.81 | 110 | purchased 2.74 ex Gordon Cooper Travel Club sold 2.81 to Kinney Air Tankers MT |
| Douglas DC-7B | N4889C | 45353 | 7.82-1.83 | 29 | purchased 7.82 ex Douglas County Aviation #29 lsd 1.83 as a freighter seized 7.1.83 Dodge City KS inbound from St Maarten, Leeeward Islands with $12M marijuana sold at auction 4.83 to Douglas County Aviation |
| Douglas C-54Q | N67032 | Bu56529 | 10.76-2000 | purchased 11.10.76 ex Robert Audiss,Tucson AZ stripped for engines and parts, scrapped | |
| Douglas C-54Q | N67034 | Bu56548 | 10.76-4.91 | 150 | purchased 11.10.76 ex Robert Audiss,Tucson AZ leased 1984-85 seasons to Sis-Q Flying Svce CA retired Avra Valley AZ by 1989 tfd 1.4.91 Maricopa Aircraft Service, Tucson AZ |
| Douglas VC-54P | N67040 | Bu90392 | 10.76-4.91 | 147 | purchased 11.10.76 ex Robert Audiss,Tucson AZ retired Avra Valley AZ 1989-2019 tfd 1.4.91 Maricopa Aircraft Service, Tucson AZ |
| Douglas C-54Q | N67041 | Bu56505 | 10.76-2.89 | 149 | purchased 11.10.76 ex Robert Audiss,Tucson AZ traded 6.2.89 to USAF Museum displayed Travis AFB Museum as "USAF MATS 72560" |
| Douglas C-54Q | N67061 | Bu50875 | 10.76-4.91 | 146 | purchased 11.10.76 ex Robert Audiss,Tucson AZ retired Highland Farm, Rantoul KS sold 1.4.91 Maricopa Aircraft Service, Tucson AZ unmoved retired Highland Farm, Rantoul KS 2019 |
| Douglas C-54Q | N67062 | Bu56514 | 10.76-4.91 | 148 | purchased 11.10.76 ex Robert Audiss,Tucson AZ retired Avra Valley AZ tfd 1.4.91 Maricopa Aircraft Service, Tucson AZ traded to USAF Museum, flown 19.1.02 from Avra Valley to March AFB CA by Bill Dempsay displayed March AFB Museum as "US Navy 56514" |
| Douglas C-54Q | N96451 | Bu56489 | 10.80-4.91 | 111 | purchased 25.10.80 ex Stanley White retired Avra Valley AZ 1996-2013 tfd 1.4.91 Maricopa Aircraft Service, Tucson AZ |
| Douglas C-54Q | N96454 | Bu56531 | 7.81-4.91 | 105 | purchased 20.7.81 ex Robert Corey retired Highland Farm, Rantoul KS tfd 1.4.91 Maricopa Aircraft Service, Tucson AZ unmoved retired Highland Farm, Rantoul KS 2018 |
| Douglas C-54M | N8049H N816D | 44-9150 | 7.81-4.91 | 102 | purchased 9.81 ex South Carolina Aeronautics Commission seizure; rereg 1.83 as N816D retired Highland Farm, Rantoul KS tfd 1.4.91 Maricopa Aircraft Service, Tucson AZ unmoved retired Highland Farm, Rantoul KS 2017 |
| Douglas DC-4 | N31356 | 42914 | 10.82 | 117 | purchased 10.82 ex Californian National #117 retired Avra Valley AZ, painted "USAF 42914"at Avra Valley by 9.93; sold 8.02 to Aces High, North Weald, England rest. at Avra Valley ff 8.8.02 different USAF markings "USAF 44-42914", ferried to Engand, arr. North Weald 28.9.02 |
| Douglas C-54Q | N96361 N6816D (2 | Bu90412 | 1982-8.00 | 109 | purchased .82 ex Beaufort County Sheriff's Dept Washington seizure as N96361. Rereg N6816D by 6.82 at Tucson, tanked by 10.82; N6816D #109 seen Fairbanks AK 6.85 with other CAS C-54s; Tucson 11.86, 10.87, 8.88. 10.88. tfd 1.8.00 Maricopa Aircraft Service, Tucson AZ, open storage at Avra Valley 1996-2013 Confusingly C-54 N96361 (ex Bu90412) was registered to Services Organized Inc, Arlington WA from 1982 until cancelled from USCR in 1995: N96361 seen at Arlington 9.86 in service as a fish transporter; it was reported ditched in sea off Arlington 23.12.86 as part of attempted insurance fraud; seized by Sheriff's Dept and later offered for sale in 1987. |
| Douglas C-54Q | N96448 | Bu56536 | 4.85-12.87 | - | purchased 23.4.85 ex Sea Bear Air Transport AK stored at Tucson AZ 85-87 sold 1.12.87 to American Air Freight Co TX |
| Lockheed PV-2 | N6853C | Bu37159 | 12.85-6.87 | 176 | purchased 3.12.85 ex Dennis Hill, Richey MT sprayer, conv. 86 to fire tanker #176 sold 3.6.87 to Bruce Kinney, Richey MT |
| Lockheed SP-2H Neptune | N80232 | Bu147948 | 4.89-6.00 | - | registered 4.89 CAS. Held in contractor storage yard Davis Monthan AFB, CofA 20.11.91, ferried to Avra Valley AZ in partial civil paintwork tfd 6.00 to Maricopa Aircraft Service, Tucson open storage Avra Valley 2000-2018 |
| Convair C-131A | N70636 | 52-5791 | 2.89-5.89 | - | registered 2.89 CAS. sold 5.89 to Ibex Internationale |
| Convair C-131B | N43944 | 53-7802 | 12.92-6.00 | - | registered 12.92 CAS ex Air Freight International stored Marana AZ sold 6.00 to Maricopa Aircraft Service, Tucson |
| Convair C-131A | N81599 | 52-5805 | 5.89-9.96 | - | registered 5.89 CAS. Stored Avra Valley AZ sold 9.96 to Starship Inc |
| Convair C-131B | N43941 | 53-7801 | 8.00-Current | registered 1.8.00 to D&D Aero Inc, Rantoul KS retired Highland Farm, Rantoul KS 2000-2018 | |
| Convair 440 | N442JM | 438 | 3.93-8.96 | - | purchased 3.93 ex US Marshals seizure sold 13.8.96 to Starship Inc |
It is fitted with Wenairco's design fibreglass belly retardant tank. Photo: Peter Marson collection
CAS DC-7B N816D tanker #45 at Pendleton Oregon in July 1975 with a large belly tank. Photo by Paul Veenboer
Douglas
A26 N7954C tanker #106 at Dempsay's farm, Rantoul KS in June
1976.
Photo by Paul Veenboer
Douglas
A26 N74874 tanker #107 retired Dempsay's farm at Rantoul KS in June
1976. Photo by Paul
Veenboer
C-54
N6816D tanker #109 at Tucson AZ in October 1983.
Photo by Paul Veenboer
N6816D
later in its CAS career, at Tucson in April 1987.
Photo by Paul Veenboer
All CAS C-54 tankers had this same attractive scheme. Photo by Geoff Goodall
C-54
N96451 #111 deployed to Stockton CA during August
1981.
Photo by Gordon Reid
Most were later parked at nearby Avra Valley AZ. Photo by Geoff Goodall
visited by Australian aviation historian Gordon Reid in 2015.
Central Air Service Inc, PO Box 895, Lewistown MT
An established agricultural spraying and dusting business which acquired Grumman Avengers for spraying and fire bombing.
Other aircraft:
Boeing Stearman: N49259, N50325
PA-18 Super Cub: ag sprayers: N4586A, N2874P, N9877D, N3577Z, N54283
Bell 47 ag sprayers: N2806B, N8505F, N3080G, N8401E
Bell 206B Jet Ranger ag sprayers: N5001K, N910BR
|
Grumman TBM-3 Avenger | N7001C | Bu85794 | 1957-1980 | | purchased .57 held as reserve aircraft, only flown 5 hours, stored sold .80 to Gordon Plaskett, King City CA ferried .80 Lewistown to Grass Valley CA by John Crocker, rest. by Ralph M. Ponte as a warbird |
| Grumman TBM-3 | N7017C | Bu53857 | 10.60-1.76 | A17 | purchased 31.10.60 sold 1.1.76 Forest Protection, Canada as C-GFPM |
Central Aircraft Inc, PO Box 1364, Yakima Wa
Commenced in 1939 as a small air service at Yakima. Expanded rapidly with the awarding of wartime contracts for elementary training of military pilots. Banched into aerial agricultural work in 1943 when a Waco was purchased and fitted for dusting potato crops. A large fleet of miltary surplus Boeing Stearmans was built up after the war, owning 30 Stearmans by 1954. Central Aircraft Inc specialised in wide-area spraying and by 1947 won Government jobs for large scale spraying of grass hopper and fire-ant plagues across USA and black-fly in Alaska plus annual forest spraying to control spruce budworm in 1.8 million acres of forests in New Brunswick, Canada. This wide-area work required multiple aircraft operating to carefully planned procedures to ensure effective application across the target area.
The company set up the first commercial school for ag pilot training. Central Aircraft commissioned Lamson Aircraft Co at Seattle WA to construct prototypes of a new design specialised agricultural biplane named the Airtractor. It was flying by 1954 and could lift 2,500 lbs for fusting, compared to the Stearman's 1,000 lbs
The Boeing 247 was used on early USFS fire bomber trials over ten days in 1956 based at Durango CO. It had an 800 gallon tank and dropped only water on wild fires, but much of the load turned to mist. The USFS report traced the cause to the small 5 inch (13cm) diameter drop valve and recommended that suppression chemicals be mixed in the water.
Other aircraft:
Porterfield LP-65 N32414
Fairchild PT-23 N49430
Waco UPF-7 sprayers NR20974, NR30164
Boeing Steaman sprayers N1728B, N54671, N59553, N75521
| Boeing 247D |
N41809 |
1699 |
4.56-2.58 |
purchased 4.4.56 ex R.Williams, Phoenix AZ as sprayer, trials during 1956 for USFS as a water bomber with 800 gallons tank, sold 26.2.58 to Canada to CF-JRQ |
|
|
Boeing B-17F Fortress |
N17W | 42-29782 | 1954-1955 | |
op. as sprayer by Biegert Bros for Central Aircraft, low level mosquito spraying across USA |
| Douglas B-18A Bolo | N66116 | 37-628 | 5.55-1.57 |
purchased 24.4.55 used as sprayer sold 18.1.57 to Lebanon Chemical Co, Lebanon PA |
Central Aircraft Inc's initial sprayers were Waco UPF-7s including NR20974 seen at La Grande Oregon June 1945
with pilot Al Ausvie. Photo by Robert l. Firniss/USFS
with pilot Al Ausvie. Photo by Robert l. Firniss/USFS
Central Oregon Airial Co Inc, 1436 W 3rd Street, Bend OR
Operated fire bombing with two Douglas A-26 Invaders. Both were contracted by USFS for the 1963 summer season.
After the loss of one A-26 the company had ceased operating by 1966 and sold its remaining A-26 tanker.
Other aircraft:
Piper L-4 Cub N27198
|
Douglas A-26 Invader |
N9423Z | 44-34687 | 3.61-1964 | F76 |
purchased 30.3.61, operated as a fire tanker crashed (no details) struck-off USCR 13.4.64 |
| Douglas A-26 | N9425Z | 44-35721 | c1961-1966 | F77 |
sold .66 to Denny Lynch/Lynch Air Tankers MT |
Melvin H. Christler trading as Christler Flying Service Inc, Thermopolis WY
Established in 1961 by Mel Christler as a heavy aircraft aerial application business, using Dougas DC-3s fitted for spraying and dusting. One DC-3 N62374 was equipped for fire bombing but the USFS did not accept it. In 1970 five Lockheed C-121A Constellations were acquired from USAF disposals at Davis Monthan AFB AZ. Four were ferried to Themopolis where they were fitted with chemical tanks inside the cabin and wing spraying bars, to provide wide-area insecticide spraying, often involving formation spraying.
Mel Christler gained his pilot licence in 1938 and became a flying instructor at civil flying schools training military pilots before joining USAAF flying transport Liberators over The Hump between India and China. Back home in Wyoming after the war he established Big Horn Flying Service, Greybull WY with partner Robert Watson. Their flying school used Piper Cubs and Wacos.
Among Christler's students was Greybull man Morris Avery, who was flying Lynch Flying Service at Billings MT Cessna T-50s on spraying and grass hopper baiting. In 1949 the two went into business together in a spraying operation Christler & Avery Aviation Co, Greybull WY. Commenced using Piper Super Cubs before acquiring two Douglas B-18 Bolo sprayers which were also used for freight work. The USFS needed more aerial spraying capacity for spruce budworm infestations in forests, grasshoppers and fire-ants. In 1958 Christler & Avery Aviation Co purchased surplus US Coast Guard Consolidated PB4Y-2G Privateers. They were ferried to Greybull where they were fitted with tanks and spraybars and used on spraying contracts during the 1958-59 winter. They were then modified as fire bombers, among the first heavy tankers to be used on fire bombing contracts by USFS. Christler & Avery had also introduced the first commercial helicopters to Wyoming with a Bell 47 flown by Morris Avery. This was beginning of a substantial rotary wing division that continued at Greybull for the next two decades
In 1961 Christler took a job as a corporate with Empire State Oil Co and moved away, selling his interest to Morris Avery who continued at Greybull as Avery Aviation Inc. Morris Avery died in 1965 following complications following leg surgery. His widow Reba
ran the company with the help of pilots Dan Hawkins and Gene Powers. She sold the company to them in 1969 and when it was renamed Hawkins & Powers Aviation Inc.
Christler and Avery Aviation Co, Greybull WY (1949-1961):
Other aircraft: Cessna 195 N1083D, Luscombe Silvaire N1370B
|
Douglas B18B Bolo |
N52056 | 37-29 | 1955-1961 | B20 |
purchased .55 ex Anthony Stinis NY, sprayer tfd 8.61 to Avery Aviation, Greybull |
| Northrop 1D Delta | N13777 | 28 | 5.56-4.59 | purchased 29.5.56, converted to sprayer sold 6.4.59 to Jack Cunningham, Kansas City MO | |
| Consolidated PB4Y-2G Privateer | N7974A | Bu66306 | 1958-1961 |
purchased .58 ex USCG surplus Elizabeth City NC conv. to fire tanker tfd 8.61 to Avery Aviation, Greybull | |
| PB4Y-2G Privateer | N2870G | Bu66304 | 1958-1961 | B22 | purchased .58 ex USCG surplus Elizabeth City NC conv. to sprayer, then fire tanker tfd 8.61 to Avery Aviation, Greybull |
| PB4Y-2G Privateer | N2871G | Bu66302 | 1958-1961 | A20 B21 | purchased .58 ex USCG surplus Elizabeth City NC conv. to sprayer, then fire tanker tfd 8.61 to Avery Aviation, Greybull |
| PB4Y-2G Privateer | N2872G | Bu66300 | 1958-1961 | B24 | purchased .58 ex USCG surplus Elizabeth City NC conv. to sprayer, then fire tanker tfd 8.61 to Avery Aviation, Greybull |
| PB4Y-2 Privateer | N7962C | Bu66306 | 1959-1961 | B26 | purchased .59 ex USN surplus Litchfield Park AZ conv. to fire tanker tfd 8.61 to Avery Aviation, Greybull |
| PB4Y-2 Privateer | N7682C | Bu66261 | 1959-1961 | purchased .59 ex USN surplus Litchfield Park AZ no civil conv, stripped for parts at Greybull | |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N8195H | 44-30748 | 12.59-1961 | purchased 12.59 ex Alson-Niblock Flying Inc, IN tanked and fitted for spraying 1.60 tfd 8.61 to Avery Aviation, Greybull | |
| VB-25N Mitchell | N3699G | 44-30801 | 1.60-1961 | puchased 1.60 ex Fogle Aircraft, Tucson AZ tanked as sprayer tfd 8.61 to Avery Aviation, Greybull | |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N2849G | 44-30077 | 9.60-1961 | purchased 9.60 ex Dennis Moore, Boulder CO tanked and fitted for spraying 3.61 tfd 8.61 to Avery Aviation, Greybull | |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N9582Z | 44-30607 | 9.60 | purchased 9.60 ex National metals, Tucson AZ tanked and fitted for spraying 2.61 tfd 8.61 to Avery Aviation, Greybull |
Photo: Mel Christler via Ralph M. Petterson
It is still wearing its former USCG markings. Photo: Mel Christler via Ralph M. Petterson
Christler believed the Douglas DC-3 was an effective platform for spraying and fire bombing, with the bonus of easy conversion to freighter or passenger charter work. He purchased his first DC-3 N62374 in 1963 and had it modified to a multi-purpose sprayer/firebomber with detachable 1,000 gallon belly tank and plumbing to Christler's design. The work was done by Roger Keeney at Torrance CA and Christler gained an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate for the tank system, with hopes of selling the removable tank to DC-3 cargo operators to fit for fire bombing during each summer. N62374 was allocated USFS tanker number B24 for extensive flight trials dropping retardant, which were considered operationally successful. However the USFS was concerned that the DC-3 design was inadequate for the airframe stresses sustained during the drop and pull-up of retardant delivery and would not issue a contract for the type.
However as an insecticide sprayer, duster, or pellet bait spreader, the DC-3's performance and economics were good. Engines and spare parts were plentiful. Christler went ahead leasing or buying more DC-3s and set up a maintenance organisation at Thermopolis Airport. CFS successfully bid for a variety of annual USFS contracts: carrying teams of smoke jumpers to parachute into fire zones, forest pest eradication spraying and dusting, as well as general USFS transport work as far afield as Alaska.
In 1970, to allow CFS to bid for a lucrative 12 year fire-ant bait spreading program across the southern US states, Mel Christler decided he needed larger aircraft for wide-area application. He made a successful bid for a group of five retired Lockheed VC-121A Constellations offered for sale at Davis Monthan AFB AZ. They were in poor condition and a major effort was required to get four airworthy and ferried to Wyoming. The fifth was left at Tucson and stripped of engines and parts. N9466 was first away, flown to Twin Falls ID where a specialist maintenance company installed grain hoppers and hydraulically activated augers for fire-ant dusting. The others were ferried to Themopolis where CFS installed their own hoppers. The 12 year fire-ant contracts were cancelled after only two years, due to environmental concerns. This had a profound effect on Christler Flying Service as well as Globe Air and RALCO, all left with an unexpected drop in income.
CFS gathered its four Constellations at Casper WY where they were modified as sprayers, each with two 1,800 gallon tanks in the cabin and spray bars along the trailing edge of the wings. They gained spraying work all over USA, Puerto Rico and budworm forest spraying in Quebec. On one occasion all four flew in echelon formation spraying insecticide on a grasshopper plague at Moses Lake WA.
During 1978 reduced demand caused Christler to advertise the Constellations for sale and they were all sold early the following year. Mel Christler went to Canada with the three sold to Beaver Air Spray to assist the new owner. Christler Flying Service continued for several more years at Thermopolis but their DC-3 smoke jumper contracts were not renewed as the USFS introduced turbine aircraft types.
Such was Mel Christler's affection for the Constellation that, some years after selling his sprayers to Canada, he became aware that his spares aircraft 48-610 had been President Eisenhower's personal aircraft Columbine II. It was by now a stripped hulk resting on its tailplane in Desert Aircraft Supplies storage yard adjacent to Davis Monthan AFB. Items missing included power plants and undercarriage. Mel was determined to get her back into the air and commenced work. He acquired sister VC-121A N608AS at the closing-down auction of Globe Air at Mesa AZ in October 1985. It was in very poor condition after years retired in the open weather and missing parts. In July 1986 Mel ferried N608AS from Mesa to Tucson-Ryan Field. There the engines and undercarriage were removed and taken to Tucson for installation in 48-610. The restoration continued, now in partnership with Henry Oliver of Santa Fe NM. On 5 April 1990, the restored N9463 Columbine II was flown from Davis Monthan to Ryan Field by Lockie Christler, Mel's son. After attending air shows and historic events the aircraft was retired with only occasional flights until sold to Dynamic Aviation and delivered to their home base at Bridgewater VA in March 2016.
|
Douglas DC-3 |
N62374 | 12534 | 1963-11.81 | B24 |
purchased .63 ex West Coast Airways CA conv. to sprayer, then fire bomber trials, but not accepted by USFS, then USFS smoke jumper transport contracts sold 11.81 to Sky Train Inc, McAllen TX |
| Douglas DC-3 | N498 | 1903 | 6.70-11.81 |
sprayer, retired Thermopolis, stripped by 77, sold 11.81 to Sky Train Inc, McAllen TX | |
| Douglas DC-3 | N86462 | 19581 | 1972-4.79 | purchased .72 ex South West Aviation NM smoke jumper transport sold 19.4.79 to Centennial Airways, Reno NV | |
| Douglas DC-3 | N2204S | 12798 | 1972-4.79 | purchased .72 ex South West Aviation NM smoke jumper transport, then sprayer sold 17.4.79 to Centennial Airways, Reno NV | |
| Douglas DC-3 | N520 | 11851 | 1971-3.77 | leased ex Remmert Werner until purchased 3.73 smoke jumper transport, sold 3.77 to A. Hulsey | |
| Douglas DC-3 | N51041 | 19851 | 3.74-1982 | smoke jumper transport destroyed by fire on ground at Redmond OR | |
| Douglas DC-3 | N12CA | 12332 | c1970 | leased to replace N51041 for one summer | |
| Douglas DC-3 | N101KC | 11639 | c1975-3.81 | retired Thermopolis by 77 USFS personnel transport sold 3.3.81 to Royal West Airlines, Las Vegas NV | |
| Douglas DC-3 | N344 | 19234 | c1969-c1975 | smoke jumper transport | |
| Douglas DC-3 | N64766 | 27218 | c1977-1979 | leased for smoke jumper contract Missoula MT | |
| Douglas DC-3 | N64767 | 10199 | c1977-1979 | leased for smoke jumper contract Missoula MT | |
| Douglas DC-3 | N101SF | 11674 | c1977-1978 | leased for smoke jumper contract Missoula MT | |
| Douglas DC-3 | N19922 | 4135 | 1.77-4.81 | puchased 3.1.77 ex Applicators Inc, Premon TX operated as a sprayer sold 28.4.81 to Stanley Booker, Las Vegas NV | |
| Lockheed C-121A Constellation | N9463 | 48-0610 | 5.70-1981 | stored, stripped of engines undercarriage and parts, in contractor's yard Davis Monthan AFB AZ. restored 1985-90 by Mel Christler, flown out 5.4.90 as Eisenhower's "USAF 8610 Columbine II" | |
| Lockheed C-121A | N9464 | 48-6009 | 5.70-4.79 | stored at Tucson, ferried .74 to Casper WY where tanked .74 by CFS at Casper WY for spraying sold 18.4.79 to Beaver Air Spray as C-GXKO | |
| Lockheed C-121A | N9465 | 48-0612 | 5.70-4.79 | conv. 71 by CFS for fire-ant dusting, tanked .74 by CFS at Casper WY for spraying sold 18.4.79 to Beaver Air Spray as C-GXKR | |
| Lockheed C-121A | N9466 | 48-0615 | 5.70-1.79 | conv .71 Twin Falls ID for fire-ant dusting, tanked .74 by CFS at Casper WY for spraying sold 1.79 to Sea Hound International, to HI-3228 | |
| Lockheed C-121A | N9467 | 48-0617 | 5.70-4.79 | conv. 71 by CFS for fire-ant dusting tanked .74 by CFS at Casper WY for spraying sold 18.4.79 to Beaver Air Spray as C-GXKS crashed 21.6.79 landing Riviere du Loup Quebec |
Photo: Mel Christler via Ralph M. Petterson
forest spraying operator Conifair Aviation. Photo by Geoff Goodall
Zack C. Monroe, 44021 North Fig Street, Lancaster CA, trading as CISCO Aircraft Inc, PO Box 183, Lancaster CA.
Company name was an acronym for "California insecticide company".
- CISCO was an early heavy aircraft tanker operator for agricultural and chemical spraying. Later gained USFS fire bomber contracts by modifying some TBM Avengers for fire attack. The TBMs carried 950 gallons of liquid insecticide, or 600 gallons of the heavier Borate fire retardant mixture.
- To finance fleet expansion for fire bombing, CISCO entered into a leasing agreement with National City Leasing Company, Detroit and the ownership of some aircraft was transferred between the two companies while they were being operated by CISCO. I have not included these paperworlk transfers in the listing below.
- Willis "King" Baker was involved with CISCO (see Aero Enterprises Inc in Part 1)
- CISCO had ceased operations by 1964.
|
Grumman TBM-3 Avenger |
N7850C | Bu69355 | by 1961 | E83 | sold .63 to Desert Aviation Service, Mesa AZ |
| Grumman TBM-3 | N8397H | Bu69459 | by 1963 | E79 |
sold .63 to Aerial Applicators, UT |
| Grumman TBM-3 | N8398H | Bu53607 | by 1963 | sold .63 to Aerial Applicators, UT | |
| Grumman TBM-3 | N9584Z | Bu85882 | 9.61-1.65 | - | purchased 30.9.61 ex Selk Co, Hollywood CA not tanked, retained turret & bomb doors, stored sold 1.65 to Loening Air, Boise ID |
| Grumman TBM-3 | N9586Z | Bu85886 | by 1963 | sold c64 to Loening Air, Boise ID | |
| Grumman TBM-3 | N9307Z | Bu86091 | by 1962-1964 | E82 | sold 12.5.65 to D&D Aero Spraying, Rantoul KS |
| Grumman TBM-3 | N9595C | Bu53479 | by 1962-1964 | E67 | sold c65 to D&D Aero Spraying, Rantoul KS |
| Grumman TBM-3 | N9592C | Bu53256 | by 1963 | sold 28.8.63 to Aerial Applicators, UT | |
| Grumman TBM-3 | N9564Z | Bu91388 | by 1963 | E56 | sold .63 to Aircraft Specialties, Mesa AZ |
| Grumman TBM-3 | N9569Z | Bu91436 | by 1963 | purchased ex Aerial Services Inc, Chino CA sold .63 to Desert Aviation Service, Mesa AZ | |
| Grumman TBM-3 | N9590Z | Bu91733 | 9.60-1962 | E81 77 | purchased 9.60, tanked at Chino CA .61, first fire attack mission 16.8.61 as #E81 (flew only 50 hours with Cisco) sold .62 to Desert Aviation Service, Mesa AZ |
| Grumman TBM-3 | N9565Z | Bu91580 | by 1963 | registered to Zack C. Monroe | |
| Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer | N6813D | Bu59876 | 12.59-1963 | - | purchased 3.12.59 ex Lysdsale Flying Service MN used a sprayer, wing trailing edge spray bars sold 11.61 to National City Aircraft Leasing Leased back to CISCO until 1963. Sold 1.65 |
| TB-25J Mitchell | N5256V | 43-28222 | 2.62-11.63 | registered to Zack C. Monroe, Burbank CA purchased 2.62 ex Les Bowman CA, tanked spray bars installed 6.62 sold 11.63 to Les Bowman, Long Beach CA |
in reserve by Aerial Applicators Inc. It was later returned to fire bomber service. Photo by Neil Aird
Clarks Aerial Service Inc, PO Box 807, Brownfield TX. Based at Terry County Airport, Brownfield TX.
Also used name Clarks Aero Service Inc, Brownfield
Aerial application operation established in the 1950s by Lonnie D. Clark, Brownsville TX. Advertised as aerial spreading, dusting and seeding contractors. Heavy aircraft were introduced in the 1960s with the Lockheeds fitted with a liquid or granular chemical hopper in the cabin with dump door or spreader gear through the bomb-bay. Manager at this time was Wayne C. Hill. The company gained large scale contracts across USA which allowed introduction of Curtiss C-46s for low-level wide-area seeding.
Clarks appears to have operated in association with another Brownfield ag operator Brownfield Aerial Service, President Harley D. Wilke.
In 1977 the assets and remaining aircraft of Clarks Aerial Service were transferred to Brownfield Aerial Service, which also used the names Brownfield Aerial Inc, Brownfield Aero. However operations had ceased by 1977 and the Lockheeds were left parked outside at Brownfield waiting to be sold.
Other aircraft:
Boeing Stearman: N64708, N59659, N64974, N4591N
T-6G Texan N2892G, N2893G: both ex USAF to Lonnie D. Clark, then Clarks Aerial Service, sold by 1970
Mooney M20 N5942Q
|
Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon |
N7272C | Bu37276 | 6.66-10.77 | |
purchased 9.6.66 ex Donaire Inc, Phoenix AZ sold 7.10.77 to Brownfield Aerial Inc sold 21.3.79 to Oklahoma Aircraft Corp Yukon OK |
| Lockheed PV-2 | N7458C | Bu37234 | .66-10.77 |
purchased .66 ex Quintana Petroleum TX conv. to agriculural spreader 7.66, sold 7.10.77 to Brownfield Aerial Inc sold 9.78 to Oklahoma Aircraft Corp Yukon OK | |
| Lockheed PV-2 | N7459C | Bu37230 | .68-10.77 | purchased .68 ex Aero Ag Inc, Medford OR accident .71 DeRidder LA, left there damaged til 79 sold 7.10.77 to Brownfield Aerial Inc sold.79 to Oklahoma Aircraft Corp Yukon OK | |
| Lockheed PV-2 Howard Cargo Harpoon | N7428C | Bu37262 | 5.69-10.77 | (4 feet fuselage stretch, cargo door, other mods) purchased 26.5.69 ex Jewell Foilage Co sold 7.10.77 to Brownfield Aerial Inc TX sold 17.2.78 to Julian Giraud, Ft Lauderdale FL | |
| Lockheed PV-1 Howard Super Ventura | N131A | Bu33153 | 1.68-10.77 | purchased 19.1.68 ex Ada Oil Co, Houston TX converted 4.68 to duster by Spartan Aircraft ,Tulsa sold 7.10.77 to Brownfield Aerial Inc TX derelict stripped by 87, abandoned at Brownfield | |
| Lockheed PV-1 Spartan Ventura | N164H | Bu33323 | 1969-10.77 | purchased .68 ex Gulf & Western, Houston TX sold 7.10.77 to Brownfield Aerial Inc TX sold 31.3.78 to E. R. Miether, Odessa TX | |
| Lockheed PV-1 Spartan Ventura | N159U | Bu33369 | 2.69-10.77 | purchased 25.2.69 ex Spartan Aircraft, Tulsa OK delivered Tulsa-Brownfield 25.2.69 after being tanked by Spartan sold 7.10.77 to Brownfield Aerial Inc TX sold 11.12.77 to Aristera Co, Lubbock TX | |
| Lockheed PV-1 Howard Super Ventura | N45CK | Bu33324 | 7.69-5.73 | purchased 17.7.69 ex University of Minnesota crashed 4.5.73 fire-ant dusting, Union Springs AL | |
| Lockheed PV-1 Howard Super Ventura | N4680 | Bu34605 | 7.69-1976 | purchased 24.7.69 ex Howard Aero, San Antonio u/s abandoned Montgomery AL, to Montgomery Airport Authority 1.77 to be used for fire practice struck-off USCR 24.3.77 | |
| Lockheed PV-1 Ohio Executive Ventura | N151V | Bu34807 | 1.70-10.77 | purchased 23.1.70 ex John W. Debaun NJ sold 7.10.77 to Brownfield Aerial Inc TX sold 11.78 to I. N. Junior Burchinal, Paris TX | |
| Lockheed PV-1 Spartan Ventura | N165H | Bu48654 | 10.77-79 | purchased by Brownfield Aero 7.10.77 ex Flying W Airways, Medford NJ already tanked. sold.79 to Oklahoma Aircraft Corp Yukon OK | |
| Curtiss C-46 Comando | N67935 | 44-78560 | 7.72-10.77 | purchased by Clarks Aerial Service 7.7.2 retired at Brownfield by 1977 sold 7.10.77 to Brownfield Aerial Inc sold 15.2.78 to Sek Inc | |
| Curtiss C-46 | N9890Z | 4-77715 | 7.72 | purchased by Clarks Aerial Service 11.7.72 retired at Brownfield by 1977 sold 7.10.77 to Brownfield Aerial Inc sold 17.3.78 to Onyx Avtn, Oklahoma City | |
| Curtiss C-46 | N9906F | 42-96615 | 7.72 | purchased by Clarks Aerial Service 28.7.72 sold 9.6.79 to Aerospace International, Miami FL | |
| Curtiss C-46 | N355CC | 42-107368 | 1972-1975 | purchased by Clarks Aerial Service 1972 sold, with Air Haiti by 1976 |
Ventura N151V at Brownfield TX in May 1973. Despite the chemical hopper inside the cabin the windows
retain their curtains from its executive transport days. Photo by Jay L. Sherlock
retain their curtains from its executive transport days. Photo by Jay L. Sherlock
The roof hopper loading hatch can be seen above the first window. Photo by Geoff Goodall
Cochise County Airport Inc was a Fixed Base Operator which operated Grumman Avenger fire tankers in the early 1960s.
The following two were in the USFS tanker allocation list for 1963 summer season based at Willcox and Marana AZ
|
Grumman TBM Avenger |
N6826C | Bu86244 | by 1962 | C53 |
sold .63 to Sonora Flying Service CA |
| Grumman TBM | N3968A | Bu53692 | by 1962 | C46 | sold .63 to Sonora Flying Service CA |
Colco Aviation Inc, Anchorage AK (1963), to Fairbanks AK (1969)
Tanker operator which provided fire bombing as well as a range of Alaskan services such as dropping sand on frozen rivers.
Despite the USFS ban on B-25 fire bombers from 1962 due to wing structural failures during retardant drops, the type continued to be used in Alaska operating for State authorities.
| North American TB-25N Mitchell |
N9936Z | 44-30756 | 5.61-c1972 | 3 |
purchased 5.61 ex Paul Hanson CA retired Fairbanks, stripped hulk by 75 |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N9937Z | 43-3910 | 5.61-6.67 | 2 |
purchased 5.61 ex Paul Hanson CA crashed 27.6.67 while fire bombing Rampart AK |
| TB-25N Mitchell | N9444Z | 44-29943 | 5.61-c1972 | purchased 5.61 ex Kenneth Patterson Tucson AZ retired Fairbanks early 70s, stripped for parts derelict hulk to Fairbanks Airport fire station by 77 | |
| B-25D Mitchell | N88972 | 43-3318 RCAF KL161 | 4.69-c1972 | purchased 4.69 ex North Star Aviation, Fairbanks retired Fairbanks 77-81 sold 5.80 to Merrill Wien, Kent WA |
Colco's
B-25 N9936Z tanker #3 at Fairbanks, Alaska in September
1968.
Photo by Neil Aird
previous owner North Star Aviation remained in faded paint under the cockpit. Photo by Geoff Goodall
Columbia Flying Service was contracted in the 1963 USFS fire tanker allocations for these two Avengers to be stationed at Hollister CA:
| Grumman TBM Avenger | N9710Z | Bu53804 | by 1963-c1965 | E79 |
sold c65 to George C. Abell, Topanga CA #E79 |
| Grumman TBM | N9187Z | Bu53818 | 1963-c1965 | E89 | purchased c63 ex Ewing Aviation CA sold c65 to George C. Abell, Topanga CA #E89 |
Danny Wayne Craig operated an agricultural spraying business in central California. Former fire bombing Grumman TBM Avengers were acquired in the mid 1970s, two retaining their fire tanker code numbers while spraying with Craig. Although single-engined tankers were no longer contracted by USFS, they may have been used for fire bombing for State authorities.
Craig Aero Service operated in association with another spraying operator Stewart Aviation, Moses Lake WA and the TBMs were moved between the two companies.
Other aircraft: Champion 7EC N1883G (1968-1971)
| Grumman TBM Avenger | N9586Z | Bu85886 | c1974-5.75 | purchased c1974 ex Hillcrest Aircraft ID #A9 forced landing gear-up 23.5.75 Winters CA while spraying a tomato crop sold damaged to Ralph M. Ponte, Grass Valley CA who rebuilt it as a warbird | |
| Grumman TBM | N6447C | Bu53575 | c1975-c1984 | 47 | purchased ex Capitol Aire NV #47 sold c84 to Northwest Warbirds ID |
| Grumman TBM | N9433Z | Bu91586 | c1975-c1984 | 56 | purchased ex Capitol Aire NV #56 sold c84 to Northwest Warbirds ID |
| Grumman TBM | N7226C | Bu85938 | c1975-c1983 | | purchased ex Capitol Aire NV #44 sold c83 to Stewart Aviation, Moses Lake WA |
Badly damaged Craig Aero Service Grumman TBM N9586Z at Yolo County Airport CA in September 1975.
The Avenger sprayer had forced landed gear-up near here in May that year. Photo by Paul Veenboer
The Avenger sprayer had forced landed gear-up near here in May that year. Photo by Paul Veenboer
Crowl Dusters Inc, 1125 W.Soland Drive, Phoenix. Based Air Haven Airport, Phoenix.
Founded by early 1950s by Cliffird R. Crowl, Glendale AZ
Agricultural operator. Held FAA type certification for military surplus Navy N3N biplanes and marketed agricultural modifications including extended wing span on the lower mainplanes. One B-25 Mitchell was used for fire bombing
Other aircraft:
Boeing Stearman N5354N
Navy N3N N44863, N44842, N44700
Vultee BT-13 N61119
Piper J3 Cub N91983
| North American TB-25N Mitchell |
N9877C | 44-29145 | 10.61-9.65 | C39 |
purchased ex Max Biegert, Phoenix sold 9.65 to Allied Aircraft Sales, Phoenix |
Clayton Curtis was a veteran of the tanker business. In the mid 1950s he was a mechanic at Visalia CA specialising in agricultural tanker maintenance. Calvin Butler had three Grumman TBMs he purchased from US Navy disposals at Litchfield Park AZ ferried to Visalia, where Curtiss stripped out the military gear and installed chemical tanks for spraying to two TBMs, keeping the third as payment.
By the early 1960s he operated TBMs as sprayers and fire bombers in California under the name Frontier Airways, Visalia CA.
During 1961 Clayton Curtis owned at least one Beech AT-11 tanker N6414C in an arrangement with Texas Air Chemical Corp and
Donald R. Curtis, who traded as Curtis Air Ranch and aircraft dealership Airplanes Inc, Hominy OK. Whether Donald Curtis was a relative is not known. Airplanes Inc purchased for resale the majority of the FAA Beech 18 fleet when retired 1959-61.
The 1963 USFS tanker contract list shows Grumman Avenger N9593C contracted to Clayton Curtiss, Boise ID.
Curtiss' Boise operation appears to have been taken over the following year by Michael T. Loening trading as Loening Air, Boise ID which shared the same PO Box number. In 1964-65 Loening Air purchased three TBMs including N9593C, a B-25 and a PB4Y-2 Privateer.
N9593C later reverted to Curtiss' ownership in 1968,
Curtiss believed retired Martin 404 airliners would make efficient agricultural sprayers or spreaders and designed a modification scheme to tank the type. In 1969-70 he installed tanks and spray systems in four ex Piedmont Airlines Martin 404s for Charlotte Aircraft. During the 1970s he was engaged to modify Martin 404s for other agricultural contractors in Mississippi and California.
Meanwhile, from 1973 operating as Frontier Airways Inc, Crowville Louisiana, Curtiss was operating his own 404 sprayer N9234C.
Later a new operating base was established at Sheridan, Wyoming under the Frontier Airways name, operated by Clayton and his son Sam. More Martin 404s were acquired and used to apply liquid or granular pesticides against grasshoppers and other pests
During the 1980s three Martin 404 grasshopper sprayers were retired at Sheridan WY when contracts were cancelled because of environmental bans on various insecticides. They were parked outside and deteriorated due weather exposure. In 1986 Curtiss was awarded a new grasshopper spaying contract with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture and hastily acquired or leased additional Martin 404s. However the operation got off to a disastrous start on 27 June 1986 when over-loaded Martin N40443 crashed on takeoff at nearby Buffalo WY, killing the three on board. It failed to get airborne, ran off the airfield into a canyon and was burnt out. Its wreck can still be seen at the bottom of the canyon. The NTSB summary of this accident:
"The aircraft collided with a dirt bank during takeoff and was destroyed. 3 on board Fatal. Investigation revealed the Pilot held a Private Certificate with multi-engine rating. His Medical Certificate was denied because he failed to provide information concerning high blood pressure and alcoholism. Copilot held a Commercial Certificate with a single engine rating. No evidence was found to indicate either pilot had any operating experience in the Martin 404 aircraft. Former employees of the operator stated that N40443 was not well maintained: the Attitude Direction Indicator instrumentation and interior lighting were inoperative.
Weight of the aircraft at the time of the accident was calculated to be 44,492 pounds. The Max Gross Weight for a Dry takeoff from a 4,500 feet runway was approx 37,900 pounds. The Flight Manual performance charts indicate that a runway length of over 5,500 feet would be needed at 44,492 pounds."
Frontier Airways had ceased operations by 1989. A visit to Sheridan in August 1995 found Clayton Curtiss working on his CallAir A9A N8246H.
|
Grumman TBM Avenger |
N9593C | Bu69472 | by 1963-c1970 | D5 | registered to Frontier Airways, Visalia CA operated 63 as fire tanker C. V. Curtiss, Boise ID sold c65 to Loening Air, Boise ID repurchased c68 C. V. Curtiss, Boise ID sold c70 to Bill Dempsay/D&D Aero Spray KS |
| Grumman TBM | N6827C | Bu91110 | 7.57-6.59 | - |
purchased
19.7.57 by Clayton Curtis ex US Navy surplus at NAS Norfolk VA, ferried
by him to Bakersfeld CA, conv. 6.58 to sprayer, flew forest insecticide
spraying Colorado by 7.58; sold 24.6.59 to TBM Inc, Visalia CA |
| Beech AT-11 Kansan | N6414C | 41-1144 | 1961 | leased ex Rosenbalm Aviation, Medford OR tanker sold 12. 61 | |
| North American TB-25N Mitchell | N9865C | 44-48834 | 2.63-3.63 | (E30) | purhased 2.63 ex Aero Union Corp CA #E30 sold 3.63 to E.D.Weiner CA as tanker #E30 |
| Martin 404 | N9234C | 14143 | 11.73-1989 | - | purchased 17.11.73 ex CMH Leasing Corp, had been conv. to sprayer 6.73 by Clayton Curtiss open storage Sheridan WY by 1984, still there 2010 |
| Martin 404 | N40418 | 14124 | 4.82-1989 | - | purchased
12.4.82 ex Marvin L. Janzen, had been parked at Madera CA since 1976,
stripped for parts, hulk remained at Madera, broken-up for scrap 2.89 |
| Martin 404 | N40443 | 14228 | 5.82-6.86 | - | purchased 26.5.82 ex Marvin L. Janzen, had been parked at Madera CA since 1976, tanked for spraying by Clayton Curtiss crashed on takeoff 27.6.86 Buffalo WY |
| Martin 404 | N40445 | 14230 | 4.82-5.82 | - | purchased 12.4.82 ex Marvin L. Janzen, had been parked at Madera CA since 1976, crashed on takeoff 15.5.82 Madera: engine failure on departure for ferry flight to Wyoming, forced landing in wheat field, wing torn off; fuselage and parts seen at Madera Airport 9.83 |
| Martin 404 | N461M | 14227 | 4.82-1989 | purchased 12.4.82 ex Marvin L. Janzen, had been parked at Madera CA since 1976, ferried .82 to Sheridan, not tanked, used for parts open storage Sheridan WY by 84, still there 2010 | |
| Martin 404 | N462M | 14153 | c1986-9.01 | purchased ex Marvin L. Janzen, tanked for spraying 6.87 by Clayton Curtiss but did not enter service open storage Sheridan WY 87-01, sold 9.01 to Pima Air & Space Museum, Tucson | |
| Martin 404 | N974M | 14158 | 1986-1987 | Leased ex Warren Eastman MN for grasshopper spraying contract, airframe corrosion found during inspection at Billings MT 87, aircraft grounded at Billings, Sold .88 to Denny Lynch/Lynch Air Tankers, Billings for spare engines for their Douglas B-26K | |
| Martin 404 | N3711K | 14235 | 1986-1987 | Leased ex Sam Stuart, Chino CA for grasshopper spraying contract, modification to sprayer 20.3.87, returned from Wyoming to Chino CA by 88 |
Seen in 1977 at Madera CA where six Martins were gathered to be tanked. Photo by Geoff Goodall
Curtiss leased N974M for grasshopper spraying in 1986 but it was grounded at Billings MT due corrosion.
Seen at Billings in 1991 after purchased by Lynch Air Tankers for the engines. Photo by Geoff Goodall
Seen at Billings in 1991 after purchased by Lynch Air Tankers for the engines. Photo by Geoff Goodall
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