Dates

Event

Constructed as a PT-22A.

8 March 1942

Gary Smith comments (20 May 2025): Destined for Netherlands East Indies as R-070/R-094, but due to a change in organizational structure and fall of the East Indies to the Japanese, these 25 Ryan Recruit PT-22A airplanes were delivered to USAAF West Coast Training Command and registered as s/ns 42-57479 to 57503. The Dutch received PT-19As instead.

Circa 1942

Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Army Air Force with s/n 42-57492.

From August 1943 to September 1943

Gary Smith comments (19 May 2025): AAF Aviation Cadet Raymond S. Smith soloed in this airplane in primary flight training at Gary Field, Blythe, CA.

25 August 1943

Photographer: Morton Air Academy Photographer
Notes: AAF Aviation Cadet Raymond S. Smith of Portland, OR entering cockpit of Ryan Recruit PT-22A Serial# 42-57492 to solo at Morton Air Academy, Gary Field, Blythe CA, August 25, 1943.

25 August 1943

Photographer: Morton Air Academy Photographer
Notes: AAF Aviation Cadet Raymond S. Smith of Portland, OR - Ready for Take-off in Ryan Recruit PT-22A s/n 42-57492 just prior to soloing at Morton Air Academy, Gary Field, Blythe CA, on August 25, 1943.

4 June 1957

Certificate of airworthiness for N51707 (ST3KR, 1788) issued.

By 15 May 1971

To unknown owner with c/r N51707.

15 May 1971

Involved in an incident.
Summarized NTSB narrative from report number OAK71DVD51: There were no fatalities. Incident occurred at 14:15 hours. The damage was substantial. Incident occurred at the Sonoma Valley Airport, Schellville, CA. This was a local flight from Schellville, CA. Undershot on touch down. The aircraft nosed over during the landing rollout. Report remarks include: Open cockpit. Pilot wearing helmet, visor, not goggles. Dirt flew under visor, temporary blindness.
For a complete description of the event read the NTSB Report.

30 November 1979

To Eric H. Friedrichsen, Wilton, CO keeping c/r N51707.

15 April 1998

To Eric H. Friedrichsen, Wiiton, CT keeping c/r N51707.

Placed on display with New England Air Museum, Bradley International Airport, Windsor Locks, CT.
View the Location Dossier

1 January 2004

Certificate of airworthiness for N51707 (ST3KR, 1788) issued.

23 May 2007

To unknown owner with c/r N51707.
Sale reported to a new owner in Windsor Locks, CT.

8 August 2010

Photographer: Daniel L. Berek
Notes: Ryan ST3KR PT-22 (N51707) - Resplendent in its newly restored glory, this lovely 1942-built World War II trainer takes center stage in the main military hall of the New England Air Museum

22 August 2013

Civil registration, N51707, cancelled.
Sale reported to a new owner in Windsor Locks, CT.