The Story Behind Our Aircraft

Aircraft Overview

Our aircraft is a Curtiss P-40N Warhawk, the most-produced version of the famous P-40 fighter series, with more than 13,000 built during World War II. Manufactured between 1939 and 1944 at the Curtiss-Wright factory in Buffalo, New York, the P-40 became one of the most recognizable American fighter aircraft of the war.

At the beginning of World War II, the P-40 was the only modern American fighter in full squadron service. It served in nearly every theater of the war and became internationally famous through General Claire Chennault’s American Volunteer Group — better known as the “Flying Tigers.”

Known for its rugged construction, the P-40 could withstand heavy battle damage thanks to armor protection and self-sealing fuel tanks. While newer German and Japanese fighters could outperform it in speed and maneuverability, the Warhawk earned a reputation for durability and reliability in combat.

The Accident Report

March 24, 1945

The aircraft displayed here was lost during a training accident in Florida on March 24, 1945.

According to military accident reports, four P-40 aircraft were conducting a low-level formation training flight when two aircraft collided during a maneuver. One pilot attempted to cross underneath another aircraft in formation, resulting in contact between the airplanes.

The collision caused catastrophic damage:

• One aircraft lost its tail section
• Another aircraft suffered major structural failure
• One pilot successfully bailed out
• Pilot Earl R. Goodyear did not survive the accident

The wreckage came to rest deep within remote Florida swamp land, where it remained hidden for decades.

Rediscovery and Recovery

A Warhawk Resurrected

Many years after the crash, aviation restorer Hal Thompson located the wreck site deep in the Florida swamps. The recovery effort became an extraordinary challenge due to difficult terrain, deep mud, and water-filled cypress wetlands.

The aircraft was found remarkably intact — estimated at nearly 90% complete. Recovering the wreck required transporting components by boat through nearly six miles of swamp.

One of the most remarkable discoveries was the aircraft’s original Allison V-1710 engine. Buried beneath approximately ten feet of water and mud for decades, the engine survived in surprisingly good condition. Aside from impact damage and cracked external castings, many internal components remained well preserved thanks to the tightly packed mud surrounding the engine.

Over several months, the aircraft pieces were carefully removed from the swamp and transported to Thompson’s hangar for preservation and restoration.

Restoration of Our P-40

This P-40 was acquired in 2011 and has undergone years of restoration work to preserve as much original material as possible. The goal of the restoration has been to create a historically accurate static display while maintaining the authentic appearance and character of the aircraft.

The aircraft retains many original components, including:

• Original Allison V-1710 engine
• Original structural sections
• Period-correct markings and insignia
• Functional flight control systems and landing gear components

The restoration team intentionally avoided making the aircraft appear factory-new. Instead, the aircraft reflects the realistic appearance of a wartime fighter aircraft.

P-40 Warhawk Specifications

Engine

Allison V-1710 liquid-cooled V-12 engine

Horsepower

Approximately 1,450 horsepower

Top Speed

Approximately 350 mph

Armament

Six Browning .50 caliber machine guns

Role

Single-seat fighter aircraft

Legacy of the Warhawk

The Curtiss P-40 became one of the iconic American fighters of World War II. From the deserts of North Africa to the skies over China and the Pacific, the Warhawk served Allied forces around the globe.

Today, only a small number of original P-40 aircraft remain airworthy worldwide. This aircraft stands as a tribute not only to the pilots who flew them, but also to the restoration teams dedicated to preserving aviation history for future generations.

As you view this aircraft, remember that it is more than a machine — it is a surviving piece of World War II history with a story that spans combat training, tragedy, recovery, and preservation.