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Photo by Collings Foundation
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Photo by Brian Nick
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Photo by Collings Foundation
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Photo by Brian Nick
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Accepted
7 April 1945, 44-83575 was too late for combat but, served in the 1st Air
Sea Rescue Squadron. In April 1952 it was subjected to the effects of 3
nuclear blasts. When a thirteen year cool down period was over it was sold
to Aircraft Specialties Company.
After a
major rebuild it flew as a fire bomber for 20 years until sold in January
1986. It was then restored back to its wartime configuration by Tom Reilly's
Vintage Aircraft, winning several awards on the air show circuit. In 1987
while performing an air show in Pennsylvania, it was caught in a crosswind
and rolled off the end of the runway. Despite effort of its crew it crashed
through a chain link fence and plummeted down a ravine causing extensive
damage.
For a second
time 83575 had to go through an extensive restoration. With the support
of individuals and corporations and thousands of volunteer hours later
Nine-O-Nine flies again to carry on the tradition of the Flying Fortress.
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