Dates

Event

Constructed as a P-51D.
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Restored.
Assumed the identity of USAAF s/n 44-73216. It is not know if any components from the wreck of 44-73216 were used in the restoration.
For more information about this other airframe see this Airframe Dossier

1981

To Rick Brickert, Manhattan Beach, CA.

1983

An undated bill of sale indicates that R.M.A. Aviation sold c/r N6302T USAAF s/n 44-73216 to Fighterbirds West/Jerry Owens of Scottsdate, AZ.

16 August 1983

To Fighterbirds West/Jerry Owens, Scottsdale, AZ with new c/r N3278D {2}.

By 12 September 1983

Markings Applied: SUNSHINE
Editor Note: This is the second of two airframes to be marked *SUNSHINE*. The two airframes do not share any provenance.
For more information about this other airframe see this Airframe Dossier

From 12 September 1983 to 18 September 1983

Raced as #38 {2}, named SUNSHINE.
Appeared at the National Championship Air Races to compete in the Unlimited class, but did not qualify. The primary pilot was Fred Sebby. Raced in the Medallion race. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 307.15 mph. Did not start in the Medallion 1 race. Raced in the Bronze 1 race. Finished in 7th place with an average speed of 332.12 mph.

From 10 September 1984 to 16 September 1984

Raced as #51.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Fred Sebby. Qualified in 22nd place with an average speed of 336.589 mph.

From 9 September 1985 to 15 September 1985

Raced as #51, named Tally Ho.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Fred Sebby. Qualified in 22nd place with an average speed of 354.125 mph. Raced in Heat 1C. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 330.840 mph. Raced in Heat 3. Finished in 6th place with an average speed of 322.364 mph. Raced in the Medallion 2 race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 337.903 mph.

Circa 9 September 1985

Photographer: Malcolm Gougan Collection

By 1986

Markings Applied: Tally Ho

Circa 1986

Photographer: Robert Bourlier
Notes: The last airplane in this line Tally Ho. Photo at the Topeka, KS airshow, 1986.

10 March 1987

To Wayne Meylan, Elkhorn, NE keeping c/r N3278D {2}.
Purchased from Jerry Owens / Fighterbirds West.

June 1987

Photographer: Kenneth M. Hare
Notes: Mustang IV 9569 / N3278D at Hamilton Civic Ap., Ont. June 1987

26 June 1987

Crashed.
There were two fatalities. The accident occurred at Ludington, MI, United States while maneuvering. The airframe was destroyed. N3278D was #1 (leader) in a flight of 2 north american P-51 aircraft. The pilot of the second P-51 reported that they were on a southerly heading over water about 1/2 mile from the shore when the leader raised his nose began rolling to the right. Witnesses on the beach estimated the aircraft altitude was btn 50 200 feet before beginning the maneuver...
For a complete description of the event read the NTSB Report.

20 August 1997

Civil registration, N3278D {2}, cancelled.