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Constructed as a P-51D-25-NT by North American at Dallas, Texas, USA. |
Circa 1944 |
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Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Army Air Force with s/n 44-84390. |
1948 |
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Transferred to Stewart AFB, NY.
Operated with markings: PF-390 |
From 1963 to 1972 |
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To Charles A. Lyford, Belleview, WA with new c/r N2869D. |
Circa 1964 |
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Photographer: Collect-Air Photos |
Circa 1964 |
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Photographer: Collect-Air Photos |
From 12 September 1964 to 12 September 1964 |
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Raced as #8, named Bardahl Special.
The race was from Saint Petersburg, FL, to Reno. Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Harolds Club Transcontinental race. The primary pilot was Charles A Lyford. Raced in the One Mile Course race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 329.01 mph. |
From 12 September 1964 to 20 September 1964 |
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Raced as #8, named BARDAHL Special.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bob Love. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 395.46 mph. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 386.77 mph. Raced in Heat 2 Gold. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 381.96 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 366.82 mph. |
From 22 March 1965 to 23 March 1965 |
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Unknown Race #.
The race number is not known. The primary pilot was Charles A Lyford. Due to bad weather in the regions around the city only two racers were able to get to the site. The unlimited races were canceled. |
From 29 May 1965 to 6 June 1965 |
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Raced as #8, named Bardahl Special.
The airframe remained unchanged from the 1964 configuration. An engine equipped with a specially designed nitrous-oxide-injection system was installed. The engine was to provide high power output for short durations Competed at the National Air Races Los Angeles in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Charles A Lyford. Qualified in 2nd place with an average speed of 380.00 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 370.50 mph. Raced in Heat 2 Gold. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 351.22 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 390.61 mph. Left Race 3 the race on lap 5. |
From 6 September 1965 to 12 September 1965 |
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Raced as #8, named BARDAHL Special.
First competitive use of the exotic nitrous system was not made until four months later at the 1965 Reno Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Charles A Lyford. Qualified in 3rd place with an average speed of 346.57 mph. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 366.51 mph. Raced in Heat 3 Silver. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 354.03 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 368.57 mph. In the final race Chuck started in second, and after easing into first position Chuck momentarily pressed the nitrous switch. The sudden demand for more air collapsed the carburetor intake ducting and the engine lost of power. The Mustang slipped back into second and stayed there for the remainder of the reace. |
Circa 6 September 1965 |
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Photographer: Robert F. Pauley
Notes: Bob Pauley captured this image of Chuck Lyfords Bardahl Special being prepared to do battle in Unlimited Class racing at Reno in 1965. Chuck would lose that battle to Darryl Greenamyer but would come ahead two weeks later in Las Vegas. |
From 6 September 1965 to 12 September 1965 |
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Raced as #8, named BARDAHL Special.
First competitive use of the exotic nitrous system was not made until four months later at the 1965 Reno Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Chuck Lyford. Qualified in 3rd place with an average speed of 346.57 mph. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 366.51 mph. Raced in Heat 4. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 354.03 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 368.57 mph. In the final race Chuck started in second, and after easing into first position Chuck momentarily pressed the nitrous switch. The sudden demand for more air collapsed the carburetor intake ducting and the engine lost of power. The Mustang slipped back into second and stayed there for the remainder of the reace. |
From 23 September 1965 to 26 September 1965 |
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Raced as #8, named Bardahi Special.
Repairs were made to the intake ducting in time for the Las Vegas race. Competed at the Las Vegas International Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Charles A Lyford. Qualified in 2nd place with an average speed of 418.14 mph. Raced in Heat. Finished in 8th place with an average speed of 8 mph. Raced in Heat 1B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 376.30 mph. Started Heat 2C, but did not finish. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 391.62 mph. In the final race Chuck Lyford did not want to risk another engine problem and so remained off the nitrous switch and was pleased to discover that less than maximum power settings would hold the Mustang in tight formation with the Bearcat in the first position. Eight laps were completed then Chuck added more power. The Mustang eased away from the Bearcat and finished in first one lap later. |
From 21 September 1966 to 26 September 1966 |
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Raced as #8, named Challenger.
Further modifications were made to the Merlin engine to produce over 3000 hp. In additon extensive airframe changes were made with the wing span and Hoerner tips installed. The horizontal tail span was also reduced by 15-inches. Because of heavy financial commitments with race cars and boats, the Bardahi Company decided not to support Chucks 1966 racing efforts. So the modified Mustang was entered in the races with the name,Challenger. Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Charles A Lyford. Qualified in 2nd place with an average speed of 390.08 mph. Started the Trophy race, but did not finish. During qualifying the engine was tested and pushed. After two warm up laps the racer went full speed into the official lap with the engine turning at nearly 3,400 RPMs. Unfortunately the engine failed on that lap, but the qualifying time was enough to ensure a position in the final. The broken engine was removed and replaced with a nearly stock engine. The replacement engine was not finely tuned. Four laps into the final race the engine overheated and seized. |
Circa 21 September 1966 |
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Photographer: Robert F. Pauley
Notes: Chuck Lyfords Mustang was not sponsored by Bardahl in 1966. It was named Challenger like one of Chucks most successful racing boats. |
Circa 21 September 1966 |
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Photographer: Al Chute
Notes: 1966 was a tough year for Chuck Lyford and Challenger at Reno. |
26 September 1966 |
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Photographer: Robert F. Pauley
Notes: Chuck Lyfords Mustang was named Challenger for 1966. Using the first tube Merlin built by Dwight Thorne it was still a non-finisher in the Unlimited Gold race that year. |
From 20 September 1967 to 24 September 1967 |
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Raced as #8, named BARDAHL Special.
Chuck Lyford was able to regain sponsoship from the Bardahi Company. An highly modified Merlin engine was installed for the races. Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Charles A Lyford. Qualified in 2nd place with an average speed of 400.33 mph. Started the Trophy race, but did not finish. Dropped out on the first lap with a broken piston. For a third time Chuck completed a deadstick landing at Reno. This was the last appearance for the airframe at any race. The airframe was returned home and totally dismantled with the intent of setting a new Worlds Speed record for piston-engine aircraft. |
20 September 1967 |
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Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races. |
Circa 20 September 1967 |
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Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races. |
Circa 24 September 1967 |
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Photographer: Robert F. Pauley
Notes: An excellent photo by Bob Pauley as Chuck Lyford heads out for another spectacular mayday during the 1967 Reno Gold Race! |
24 September 1967 |
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Photographer: Bob Pauley |
17 November 1977 |
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Certificate of airworthiness for NL2869D (P-51D, 44-84390) issued. |
1978 |
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To Life Science Church, San Diego CA keeping c/r N2869D. |
August 1978 |
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Photographer: Gary Maisack
Notes: Planes of Fame Gathering of Eagles Airshow, Chino, CA |
1979 |
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Markings Applied: JE H
Worked on at Chino. Finished in blue camouflage paint with a yellow rudder. |
From 11 September 1979 to 16 September 1979 |
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Raced as #3.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Chuck Hall. Qualified in 15th place with an average speed of 354.94 mph. Raced in the Silver race. Finished in 6th place with an average speed of 329.26 mph. Raced in the Silver 1 race. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 341.13 mph. Raced in the Silver Semi-Final race. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 347.06 mph. |
12 September 1979 |
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Photographer: William T Larkins
Notes: At Reno Air Races, Nevada |
September 1980 |
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Photographer: Gary Maisack
Notes: At Reno Air Races, Nevada |
From 10 September 1980 to 14 September 1980 |
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Raced as #3, named Section Eight.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Chuck Hall. Qualified in 8th place with an average speed of 387.36 mph. Raced in the Silver race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 375.32 mph. Started the Silver 1 race, but did not finish. Started the Gold race, but did not finish. Pulled out on the first lap with mechanical difficulties. |
1981 |
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To Charles Hall, San Diego, CA keeping c/r N2869D. |
From 15 September 1981 to 20 September 1981 |
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Raced as #3, named Section Eight.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Chuck Hall. Qualified in 17th place with an average speed of 346.65 mph. Raced in the Bronze race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 333.67 mph. Raced in the Silver 1 race. Finished in 6th place with an average speed of 336.20 mph. Raced in the Silver Semi-Final race. Finished in 7th place with an average speed of 321.09 mph. |
19 September 1981 |
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Photographer: Gary Maisack
Notes: 1981 Reno Air Races |
1982 |
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To Bruce Ellis, San Diego CA keeping c/r N2869D. |
From 22 February 1983 to 2008 |
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To Douglas D. Driscoll, American Falls, ID keeping c/r N2869D. |
From 12 September 1994 to 18 September 1994 |
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Raced as #27, named Section Eight.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was John Crocker. Qualified in 20th place with an average speed of 310.858 mph. Raced in Heat 1B. Finished in 6th place with an average speed of 281.154 mph. Raced in Heat 2D. Finished in 7th place with an average speed of 287.884 mph. Raced in Heat 3. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 296.595 mph. Raced in the Consolation race. Finished in 7th place with an average speed of 295.940 mph. |
Circa 12 September 1994 |
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Photographer: Charlene Aro |
From 23 March 1995 to 26 March 1995 |
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Raced as #27, named Section Eight.
Competed at the Phoenix 500 Air Races in the Unlimited Stock race. The primary pilot was John Crocker. Qualified in 3rd place with an average speed of 354.175 mph. Raced in Heat 1B. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 267.545 mph. Raced in Heat 1A. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 274.338 mph. Raced in the Consolation race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 301.361 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 271.234 mph. |
From 11 September 1995 to 17 September 1995 |
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Raced as #27, named Section Eight.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was John Crocker. Qualified in 27th place with an average speed of 295.537 mph. Raced in Heat 1C. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 315.787 mph. Raced in Heat 2C. Finished in 6th place with an average speed of 313.767 mph. Raced in Heat 3D. Finished in 7th place with an average speed of 297.216 mph. Raced in the Consolation race. Finished in 7th place with an average speed of 287.612 mph. |
8 April 1999 |
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Photographer: Earl A Holmquist
Notes: Photographed at the Gathering of Mustangs and Legends at Kissimmee, FL. |
23 August 2002 |
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To unknown owner with c/r N2869D.
Sale reported to a new owner in Okc, OK. |
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Markings Applied: Section Eight, 3E 5, 484390 |
3 July 2003 |
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Crashed.
The accident occurred at the Jerome County Airport (JER) Jerome, ID, United States while climbing. The damage was substantial. The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, the engine overheated, then lost coolant. The coolant covered the windshield and he had a hard time seeing in front of him for the return to the airport for landing. During the touchdown, the aircraft landed hard and slid off the side of the runway...
For a complete description of the event read the NTSB Report. |
From Circa 2003 to 2006 |
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Restored.
Markings Applied: Section 8, C3 D, 484390
The work was carried out at Jerome, ID. |
29 August 2007 |
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Photographer: David Miller
Notes: A Gathering of Mustangs and Legends, Ohio 2007 |
5 February 2008 |
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To Section Eight Llc, American Falls, ID keeping c/r N2869D. |
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To Airpower Unlimited, Jerome County Airport, Jerome, ID.
 View the Location Dossier |
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To Legacy of Flight Museum, Rexburg, ID.
View the Location Dossier |
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Markings Applied: Section Eight, C3 D |
11 February 2015 |
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To Section Eight Llc, Aberdeen, ID keeping c/r N2869D. |
1 January 2017 |
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Certificate of airworthiness for NL2869D (P-51D, 44-84390) issued. |
28 February 2022 |
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To Acv Group Llc, McKinleyville, CA keeping c/r N2869D. |
10 September 2022 |
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Photographer: Mike Henniger
Notes: Photographed at the Nation Championship Air Races at the Reno Stead Airport, Reno, NV. |
11 September 2022 |
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Photographer: Mike Henniger
Notes: Photographed at the Nation Championship Air Races at the Reno Stead Airport, Reno, NV. |
11 September 2022 |
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Photographer: Mike Henniger
Notes: Photographed at the Nation Championship Air Races at the Reno Stead Airport, Reno, NV. |
From 14 September 2022 to 18 September 2022 |
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Raced as #3, named BARDAHL Special.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Steven Coutches from Stateline, NV. Qualified in 7th place with an average speed of 319.744 mph. Raced in Heat 2C. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 328.149 mph. Raced in Heat 3D. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 333.371 mph. |
16 September 2022 |
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Photographer: Gary Maisack
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races. Note the race number on the tail has been modified to appear as a three from the originally marked 8. |
17 September 2022 |
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Photographer: Mike Henniger
Notes: Photographed at the Nation Championship Air Races at the Reno Stead Airport, Reno, NV. |
17 September 2022 |
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Photographer: Mike Henniger
Notes: Photographed at the Nation Championship Air Races at the Reno Stead Airport, Reno, NV. |
30 August 2023 |
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Certificate of airworthiness for NX2869D issued. |
10 September 2023 |
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Photographer: Mike Henniger
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field, near Reno, NV. |
From 13 September 2023 to 17 September 2023 |
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Raced as #3, named BARDAHL Special.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Steven Hinton from Chino, CA. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 469.935 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 439.981 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 405.292 mph. |
13 September 2023 |
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Photographer: Mike Henniger
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field, near Reno, NV. |
13 September 2023 |
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Photographer: Mike Henniger
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field, near Reno, NV. |
