Dates

Event

Constructed as a P-51D-25-NA by North American at Inglewood, California, USA.

Circa 1944

Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Army Air Force with s/n 44-74012.

To unknown owner with c/r N6519D.

22 November 1960

Certificate of airworthiness for NL6519D (F-51D, 44-74012) issued.

After 1969

Photographer: Charlene Aro

From 14 September 1969 to 21 September 1969

Raced as #81.
During the first qualification run part of the plexiglas canopy blew off. Leroy landed without further incident. A replacement canopy was obtained, but Leroy was not allowed to race when officials learned he only had a private pilot rating instead of the required commercial. Appeared at the National Championship Air Races to compete in the Unlimited class, but did not qualify. The primary pilot was Leroy Penhall.

From 13 September 1970 to 20 September 1970

Raced as #81.
Leroy was able to meet the piloting requirements at the 1970 Reno races. Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Leroy Penhall. Qualified in 6th place with an average speed of 366.03 mph. Raced in Heat B. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 351.39 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 373.82 mph. Despite the stiff competition Leroy was able to place third in the stock looking Mustang.

12 November 1970

Photographer: Malcolm Gougan Collection
Notes: Photographed at the California 10000 Air Race.

From 13 November 1970 to 15 November 1970

Raced as #81.
Competed in the California 1000 Air Races event. The primary pilot was Leroy Penhall. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 347.61 mph. Raced in the One Mile Course race. Finished in 8th place with an average speed of 347.61 mph.

From 29 May 1971 to 29 May 1971

Raced as #81.
The race was from Milwaukee Mitchell Municipal Airport to Civic Memorial Airport, to East Alton, IL (309 miles). Competed at the Alton P-51 Tournament in the XCountry class. The primary pilot was LeRoy Penhall. Raced in the One Mile Course race. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 329.5 mph.

From 30 May 1971 to 31 May 1971

Raced as #81.
Competed at the Alton P-51 Tournament in the Thirty Second Climb competition. The primary pilot was LeRoy Penhall. Raced in the One Mile Course race. Finished in 2nd place. Attained an altitude of 1,103 feet in 30 seconds.

From 2 June 1971 to 6 June 1971

Raced as #81.
Competed at the Cape May National Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Leroy Penhall. Qualified in 7th place with an average speed of 355.10 mph. Raced in Heat 1A. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 290.93 mph. Raced in the Reserve race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 347.13 mph. Cut a pylon during qualifications.

From 17 July 1971 to 17 July 1971

Raced as #81.
Competed in the U. S. Cup Race event. The primary pilot was LeRoy Penhall. Started the One Mile Course race, but did not finish. Finished 28 laps. When landed for a pit stop the electrical power was lost.

From 21 September 1971 to 26 September 1971

Raced as #81.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Leroy Penhall. Qualified in 5th place with an average speed of 402.38 mph. Raced in Heat 1. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 380.45 mph. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 385.57 mph.

Circa 21 September 1971

Photographer: Mike DeCastro

From 16 January 1973 to 21 January 1973

Raced as #81.
Competed at the The Great Miami Air Race in the Roscoe Turner Speed Classic race. The primary pilot was Leroy Penhall. Raced in the One Mile Course race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 359.867 mph.

From 16 January 1973 to 21 January 1973

Raced as #81.
Competed at the The Great Miami Air Race in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was LeRoy Penhall. Qualified in 4th place with an average speed of 372.33 mph. Raced in the Consolation race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 321.77 mph.

Circa 16 January 1973

Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Great Miami Air Race.

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.

From 11 September 1973 to 16 September 1973

Raced as #81.
Attended the National Championship Air Races, but did not compete in the Unlimited class and it is uncertain if there was an intent to compete.

July 1974

Photographer: Gary Maisack
Notes: At Leroy Penhalls Fighter Imports, Chino, CA

4 August 1974

Involved in an incident.
Summarized NTSB narrative from report number CHI75FER02: There were no fatalities. Incident occurred at 19:10 hours. The damage was substantial. The flight departed from Minneapolis, MN, with the destination Oshkosh, WI. The engine failed or malfunctioned while cruising. The gear collapsed on touch down. The factors included; overload failure and high obstructions on terrain. There was complete power loss in the failure of one engine...
For a complete description of the event read the NTSB Report.

To Stonehenge Air Museum/Jim Smith, Crystal Lakes Resort Airport, Fortine, MT.
View the Location Dossier

28 September 1987

To James E. Smith, Fortine, MT keeping c/r N6519D.

19 June 1999

Photographer: Nate Wilburn
Notes: Glacier Park International Airport, Kalispell, MT. June 19, 1999.

6 April 2018

To James E. Smith, Kalispell, MT keeping c/r N6519D.

2 May 2023

To unknown owner with c/r N6519D.
Registration pending to a new owner in Kalispell, MT.

8 February 2024

To James E. Smith Trustee, Kalispell, MT keeping c/r N6519D.