Flown out to New Zealand from the USA shortly after the turn of the Century, this aircraft was based at Omaka until early 2009 when it was flown back across the Pacific to it's new home in Arizona. This flight took place after lengthy repairs following an undercarriage collapse in 2006 on return from that years 'Warbirds over Wanaka" airshow.

Salvaged from Forest Field airfield by the JEM aviation team the rebuild of this fine aircraft took place in the owner's hangar while the JEM aviation hangar was being built.

Extensive repairs were required to the LH side of the wing centre section, nose section, tail section and wing tips. Both engines were bulk stripped, inspected and tested by Fieldair Engineering. Retired engineer and pilot, John Evans volunteered his time to assist with the rebuild.

Two years of work culminated in successful test flying of the aircraft in December 2008. Three months later the aircraft was flown back to the USA, the only fault being that the starboard nav light blew!