North American P-51D Mustang, N332 / 124-48224, Dave Zeuschel
This picture is © Martin Laycock and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: N332
Construction Number: 124-48224
Code Number: 84
Model North American P-51D Mustang
Operator: Dave Zeuschel
Airport: Mojave (MHV / KMHV), USA - California
Photographer: Martin Laycock
Date Taken: 1992
Date Submitted: 07/02/2009
Photographed in a quiet corner of Mojave Airport sits "Stiletto" a Unlimited Class racing P-51D Mustang, and 1984 National Champion. She was constructed using the identity and paperwork of 45-11471 which crashed on a flight from Yuma, Arizona to Oxnard, California killing owner James Barkley on 21 August 1979. "Stiletto" was a radically modified Mustang with the engine radiators installed in the wing gun bays and the belly air scoop removed to reduce drag. She made her Reno debut in 1984 winning the Gold as a rookie entry fielded by Alan Preston and Dave Zeuschel with Skip Holm as pilot clocking a speed of 437.6 mph. Despite numerous valiant but unsuccessful attempts through 1992 for a repeat championship win she never reached her true potential as a Gold racer. The airframe was rebuilt in 1995 as a stock TF-51D by Square One Aviation and sold to David Jeansonne of Louisiana registered N51VW and named "Rajun Cajun". In 1998 she became N51UR "Diamondback" with Bob Jepson and the Lady Alice Corporation. More recently, in November 2005 she was aquired by Mark Peterson and is now based in Boise, Idaho.
Picture ID:1157347