Dates

Event

Constructed as a PT-17 by Boeing.
BOEING PT-17 75-3182

Circa 1942

Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Army Air Force with s/n 42-15623.

Taken on Strength/Charge with the Royal Air Force with s/n FJ762.
For use in Canada for Empire Air Training Scheme.

By 1943

Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Army Air Force with s/n 42-15623.

By 1955

To Willows Flying Service, Gravelly Valley with new c/r N75081.
Operated with markings: E1

1955

N75081, became the first registered free fall air tanker in the history of aviation. The first air drop was made on the Mendenhall Fire, August 12, 1955, on the Mendocino National Forest.

Photographer: Irene Nolta Collection
Notes: Vance Nolta -First production aerial tanker - number N75081 - a Boeing Stearman 75 Cadet agricultural aircraft. This is Vance Nolta - the primary pilot for this first production model. Initially, plain water was used as the fire suppressant. However, it was soon discovered that most of the water evaporated before reaching the fire, so the practice was adopted of adding chemicals to the water to inhibit evaporation. Borate was one of the first chemicals used, hence the derivation of the term borate bomber.

1964

Photographer: William T Larkins
Notes: In Willows, CA. Bill Larkins made a note that it is the wrong N number on this a/c.

4 November 1974

Involved in an incident.
Summarized NTSB narrative from report number OAK75DVG34: There were no fatalities. Incident occurred at 10:50 hours. The damage was substantial. This was a local flight from Elk Creek, CA. Collided with trees while turning around. The factors included; high obstructions on terrain. Incident occurred at or near Elk Creek, CA.
For a complete description of the event read the NTSB Report.

18 July 1977

Civil registration, N75081, cancelled.