Dates

Event

1945

Constructed as a CA-17-Mk 20 by Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation at Fishermans Bend, Melbourne.
Built by Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation at Fishermans Bend, Melbourne Vic

6 July 1945

Taken on Strength/Charge with the Royal Australian Air Force with s/n A68-5.

9 July 1953

To James L. D. Whiteman, Sydney NSW with new c/r VH-BVM.
Operated with markings: Rebel

31 May 1954

To Arnold J. Glass/Australian Aviation Investments, Sydney keeping c/r VH-BVM.
Markings added: Johnny Zero

1954

Photographer: Howard Morris Collection
Notes: At Bankstown, New South Wales

25 August 1960

To Ronald Flockhart, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Ron Flockhart was a young racing car driver who trained for a British private pilot licence with a view to breaking International speed records. He was in Sydney to arrange the purchase of VH-BVM and have it prepared for his planned Sydney-Londonspeed record attempt. His sponsor was United Dominions Trust.

24 February 1961

To Ronald Flockhart, Edinburgh, Scotland with new c/r G-ARKD.

25 February 1961

Photographer: Brian Foley
Notes: Bankstown February 1961 as G-ARKD for new owner Ron Flockhart, who is taxying for a test flight

4 March 1961

Taxying for departure Athens, Greece the Mustang was delayed on the ground by ATC which was giving priority to airliners. In the hot weather the Merlin engine overheated and suffered a blown head gasket.The aircaft was u/s and Flockhart was forced to abandon the record attempt Parked at Athens Airport while arrangements made to repair the Merlin. Flockhart was optimistic that he would soon have the aircraft in UK and entered it in a June 1961 London-Cardiff air race.However he encountered frustrating delays in having a replacement Merlin installed.

June 1961

Photographer: Derek Macphail collection
Notes: Parked at Athens, Greece in June 1961, after Flockhart had been forced to abandon his speed record attempt

7 September 1961

Cockpit area damaged by fire at Athens during ground run of the replacement MerlinAircaft declared a write off. Abandoned fire damaged, parked at Athens Airport-The parking area was later cleared for airport development circa 1970. The Mustangs derelict hulk was reportedly sent to a scrap metal yard. Despite searches of Athens Airport surroundings by various parties over the years, no sign of it has ever been reported.

21 November 1961

Civil registration, G-ARKD, cancelled.

6 June 2012

To Classic Flying MacHine Collection Ltd with new c/r G-ARKD (CA 18 MK 22 (MUSTANG P-51D), 1330).
Assumed to be a restoration project based on the remains of G-ARKD salvaged from Athens.

22 May 2024

To Qualitair LC Trustee, Michelstadt with new c/r N5470V.