Dates

Event

Constructed as a P-51D.

Circa 1944

Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Army Air Force with s/n 44-74204.

1948

Transferred to 178th FS, 133D FG, North Dakota ANG, Fargo ANGB, Fargo, ND.

1948

Photographer: NDANG

11 December 1957

To Bernard (Chuck) Berns, Buena Park CA with new c/r N5451V.

15 August 1958

To Robert Deweese, Newport Beach CA keeping c/r N5451V.

1966

To David Salerno, Santa Ana CA keeping c/r N5451V.

1972

To David Salerno, Santa Ana CA with new c/r N51U.

Circa May 1973

Photographer: Malcolm Gougan Collection
Notes: Photographed at Chino, CA.

1978

To George Enhorning, Wolcott CT, keeping c/r N51U.
Markings added: Passion Wagon, 51

July 1978

Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at Oshkosh.

From 26 February 1979 to 4 March 1979

Raced as #51, named Passion WAGON.
Competed at the Homestead Florida in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was George Enhorning from Hartford, CT. Qualified in 20th place with an average speed of 281.879 mph. Raced in the Make-Up race. Finished in 6th place with an average speed of 217.54 mph.

March 1990

Photographer: Robert Bourlier
Notes: Valiant Air Command Airshow, Titusville, FL.

29 September 1990

Crashed.
There were two fatalities. The accident occurred at the Chatham Municipal Airport (OB6) Chatham, MA, United States while maneuvering. The airframe was destroyed. The pilot and passenger were returning from a local flight. Witnesses observed the airplane execute a low pass over the runway and pull up abruptly and bank steeply to the left. The airplane then rolled to the right and continued along the initial flight path in a wings level attitude...
For a complete description of the event read the NTSB Report.

25 March 1993

To William A. Speer Jr, La Mesa, CA keeping c/r N51U.

From 13 September 1993 to 19 September 1993

Raced as #56, named DEJA VU.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was William Speer. Qualified in 8th place with an average speed of 409.124 mph. Raced in Heat 1A. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 367.838 mph. Raced in Heat 2C. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 408.759 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 6th place with an average speed of 364.901 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 7th place with an average speed of 399.870 mph.

From 22 October 1993 to 24 October 1993

Raced as #56, named DEJA VU.
Competed in the Kansas City Air Races event. The primary pilot was Bill Speer. Qualified in 7th place with an average speed of 372.03 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 360.53 mph. Did not start in the Championship race.

From 18 March 1994 to 20 March 1994

Raced as #56, named DEJA VU.
Competed at the Phoenix 500 Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bill Speer. Qualified in 8th place with an average speed of 395.889 mph. Raced in Heat 1A. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 373.281 mph. Raced in Heat 2C. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 393.296 mph. Raced in the Consolation race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 402.615 mph. The Heat 2B race was cancelled due to race #1 crashing with the pilot parachuting onto the course.

12 September 1994

Crashed.
There was one fatality. The accident occurred at the Reno/stead Airport (4SD) Reno, NV, United States while maneuvering. The airframe was destroyed. The aircraft collided with level terrain while attempting an emergency landing during air racing trials. The pilot had pulled up off the race course and transmitted a mayday distress call. He indicated the airplanes windscreen was covered with oil, restricting his vision...
For a complete description of the event read the NTSB Report.

31 October 2013

Civil registration, N51U, cancelled.

Photographer: Jeff Hunt