A well-known Mustang arises from its ashes

North American P-51D G-CLNV has made its first post restoration flight from Sywell on 25 August 2023. The Mustang, built as USAAF 45-11518 (c/n 124-48271), is owned by the French organisation W Aircollection, Paris. Judging by the black tailsection of the fighter, it is likely to be finished as one of the Mustangs flown by the 75th squadron of 23rd Fighter Group based in Luliang, China in 1945.

Mustang 45-11518 was shipped to New Zealand (as NZ2427) in August 1945, but on arrival the war had ended and it remained stored until 1952. After assembly it was sold for a mere £80 six years later. Famous (Sir) Tim Wallis of the Alpine Fighter Collection at Omaka acquired it as a long-term restoration project in 1990.

Wallis sold the project to Maurice Hammond in the UK, who initiated the restoration as G-MSTG in September 1997. Flying as ‘414419 / LH-F’ and named Janie it made its first flight from Hardwick on 14 July 2001.

In the years that followed the plane was a familiar sight over the United Kingdom, but on 2 October 2016 Janie’crashed during a landing approach at Hardwick. Pilot/owner Hammond was seriously injured and his passenger was killed in the crash.

The general opinion was that G-MSGT was destroyed in the event. However, the wreck of the Mustang was acquired by Fighter Aviation Engineering Ltd. of Dunmow and they started the restoration, now as G-CLNV. Since 26 June 2023 the fighter has a French owner, as mentioned before.

Photos by Nigel Harrison