Dates

Event

Constructed as a F8F-2.

Circa September 1948

Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Navy with BuNo 121751.

From 1963 to 1966

To William M. Stead, Reno NV with new c/r N9885C.

From 12 September 1964 to 20 September 1964

Raced as #80, named Smirnoff VODKA.
This was a stock F8F-2. Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Mira Slovak. Qualified in 3rd place with an average speed of 356.29 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 345.98 mph. Raced in Heat 3 Silver. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 344.04 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 355.52 mph.

1964

Photographer: Eileen Crimmin
Notes: At Reno, NV

From 29 May 1965 to 6 June 1965

Raced as #80, named Miss Smirnoff.
The modifications included minor airframe cleanup and engine refinements. Competed at the National Air Races Los Angeles in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Mira *Refugee* Slovak. Qualified in 6th place with an average speed of 296.00 mph. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 359.72 mph. Raced in Heat 2 Gold. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 350.84 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 369.64 mph.

From 6 September 1965 to 12 September 1965

Raced as #80, named Smirnoff.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Mira Slovak. Qualified in 4th place with an average speed of 338.03 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 345.74 mph. Raced in Heat 2 Gold. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 345.57 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 356.00 mph.

Circa 6 September 1965

Photographer: Robert F. Pauley
Notes: Bill Steads Smirnoff Special receiving service during the 1965 Reno Air Races.

From 23 September 1965 to 26 September 1965

Raced as #80, named Smirnoff.
Competed at the Las Vegas International Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Mira *Refugee* Slovak. Qualified in 7th place with an average speed of 349.17 mph. Raced in Heat. Finished in 80th place with an average speed of 80 mph. Raced in Heat 1B. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 359.27 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. No time was recorded and finished in 3rd place. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 322.23 mph.

1966

To Moseley Aviation Inc, Tolleson, AZ keeping c/r N9885C.

From 3 June 1967 to 4 June 1967

Raced as #80.
It is unclear if this was an actual race, or just a demonstration event. Appeared at the Pomona Valley International Air Races and Air Show, but did not qualify. The primary pilot was Mira Slovak.

1969

To I. N. Junior Burchenall, Paris, TX keeping c/r N9885C.

By October 1969

Photographer: Unknown

1972

To Mike Smith, Johnson, KS, keeping c/r N9885C.

From 11 September 1973 to 16 September 1973

Raced as #41, named Lois Jean.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Michael Smith from Johnson, KS. Qualified in 13th place with an average speed of 352.10 mph. Started the Make-Up race, but was disqualified.

Circa 11 September 1973

Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV.

Circa 11 September 1973

Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV.

Circa 11 September 1973

Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV.

Markings Applied: 1217417, 51

11 June 1976

To Roy N Lotspeich Publishing Co Inc, Knoxville, TN keeping c/r N9885C.

1 January 1977

To Harold Beal (and) Charles Smith, Knoxville, TN keeping c/r N9885C.

May 1978

Photographer: Glenn Chatfield
Notes: At Rickenbacker AFB, OH during air show. 35mm slide was underexposed.

July 1978

Photographer: David Lednicer
Notes: Harold Beal and Charles Smiths Bearcat on display at the 1978 EAA Fly In. Unfortunately, Smith was killed in the crash of this aircraft on June 18, 1980.

18 June 1980

Crashed.
Summarized NTSB narrative from report number ATL81FA055: There was one fatality. Incident occurred at 13:50 hours. The airframe was destroyed. The flight departed from Knoxville, TN, with the destination Daytona Beach, FL. The airframe failed in flight in an uncontrolled descent. The factors included; wing spars, at least two or more engines failed, separation in flight and thunderstorm activity. The sky conditions were overcast. The ceiling was 4000 feet at the accident site...
For a complete description of the event read the NTSB Report.

18 June 1980

Charles Smith perished in the crash.

15 October 1981

Civil registration, N9885C, cancelled.