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Re: Question

Posted by Rob Mears on Wed Mar 06, 2002 10:30:51 PM

In reply top Another Question For Rob Mears posted by Mike Henniger on Wed Mar 06, 2002 04:47:11 PM

BuNo.121881 was accepted into the Argentine Navy as aircraft #0389. Its first flight in Argentine service took place in the USA on 5/19/57. This was following the training of the Argentine pilots who had arrived in the USA during late 1956 to begin their training and transition into the type. Upon its arrival in Argentina on September 13, 1957 BuNo.121881 was assigned to the Diurnal Squadron as 0389/"3-C-17" and based at Punta Indio Sea & Air Base. On December 23,1958 it was reassigned to the 2nd Attack Squadron (Escuadrilla De Attaque) as 0389/"2-A-217". During September of 1960, BuNo.121881 suffered an undercarriage failiure which destroyed its propeller. Following its repair it was redesignated (with the same squadron) as 0389/"3-A-217". During 1964 this aircraft was again redesignated, this time as 0389/"3-A-202". On 1/21/65 BuNo.121881 was assigned to Sea and Air Arsenal No.1 for a rear stabilizer swap following the pilot experiencing strong vibrations in flight. It served out the rest of its military service life with this squadron.

Following its retirement from active service, BuNo.121881 was used as monument at the Alte Naval Air Station at Trelew, Argentina until 1989. During 1991 it was sold and exported to the USA. Once there, it was restored at Ezell Aviation in Breckenridge, Texas for its new owners, the Lone Star Flight Museum at Scholes Field, Galveston TX.

...and the rest is, well, history :)

Rob

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