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The Planes of Fame’s Northrop N-9M. (Photo CindyN (CC BY-SA 4.0))

The 1944 Northrop N-9M restored and flown by the Planes of Fame museum crashed in a prison courtyard in Norco, California on 22 April 2019. The pilot did not survive the crash and the aircraft appears to have been totally destroyed by the crash and subsequent fire.

The aircraft was the fourth and last N-9M built, and the only surviving example of its type. It was restored to flying condition by the Planes of Fame museum, which had been displaying it at airshows and events since the mid-1990s.

Our thoughts and prayers go to the family and friends of the pilot.

Sources:

• Foxtrot Alpha: WWII-Era Flying Wing Plane Has Fatally Crashed On State Prison Grounds
• AvWeb: Last Northrup N9M Crashes Near Chino
  
• Planes of Fame museum: N9MB

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A Lockheed C-69 Constellation in 1943 (Photo USAF).

Planes of Fame Air Museum’s Lockheed VC-121A Constellation has been sold to Lewis Air Legends of Texas who plans to restore the Aircraft to flying condition.

This ‘Connie’ named ‘Bataan’ was the personal aircraft of General Douglas MacArthur Supreme Commander Allied Powers during the Korean War. We look forward to seeing it fly on the Airshow circuit. The Planes of Fame Air Museum acquired the aircraft over 20 years ago and operated it for a short time before putting it on display at our Valle, AZ location. The sale of this aircraft will help advance our mission of preserving aviation history, inspiring interest in aviation, educating the public and honoring aviation pioneers and veterans.

Source: Planes of Fame Museum, April 10, 2015

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A Yokosuka D4Y-3 Type 33.

The Planes of Fame Museum’s Yokosuka D4Y “Judy” went through its first post-restoration engine run on December 1st in Chino, with Steve Hinton in the cockpit. The aircraft is equiped with a Pratt & Whitney R-1830, replacing the original Japanese engine.

There are presently only two preserved Judys, the other one being located in Japan. The PoF Judy has reportedly been restaured to non-flying status, but will be able to taxi. It was part of a batch of Japanese aircraft found in 1991 by Bruce Fenstermaker on Babo Island, Indonesia.

Source: Aeroplane Monthly