Dates

Event

Constructed as a P-51D-20-NT by North American at Dallas, Texas, USA.

Circa 1944

Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Army Air Force with s/n 44-13105.

4 July 1945

Taken on Strength/Charge with the Royal Australian Air Force with s/n A68-679 as a Mustang IV.

4 July 1945

Transferred to 1 AD.

November 1945

Transferred to 1 AD.

21 May 1946

Assigned to RAAF Benalla, VIC for storage.

15 November 1948

Struck off Strength/Charge from the Royal Australian Air Force.

22 December 1948

Transferred to DAP.
Sent to DAP for disposal.

1949

The fusealge was stripped for components. The wings were removed and sent to the RAAF Stores Department at Dubbo, NSW.

1949

To Victor Coish, Benalla, VIC.
Mr. Coish obtained the fuselage only and along with the fuselage of A68-674 it was delivered to his farm.
For more information about this other airframe see this Airframe Dossier

1966

Recovered.
Retrieved from a farm near Benalla.

From 1966 to By 1981

To Pearce Dunn/Warbirds Aviation Museum, Mildura, VIC.

1966

To Warbirds Air Museum.
Initially stored dismantled by the museum.

1967

Restoration started.
The static restoration was started at Keilor, VIC.

August 1967

Photographer: Geoff Goodall
Notes: Being assembled in a public park in the Melbourne outer suburb Keilor in August 1967 was North American P-51D A68-679. Pearce Dunn, who lived close to the park at the time, had acquired it dismantled in poor condition, dumped near Benalla.

November 1968

Photographer: Geoff Goodall
Notes: Pearce Dunn established Warbirds Aviation Museum on the site of the wartime No.2 OTU at Mildura Airport.Pearce rolled A68-679 and Wirraway A20-719 from the hangar at Mildura for my shot in November 1968. The Mustang was a key display at his museum for ten years until sold to USA, where it still flies today as highly modified Reno racer Strega.

Repair completed.
The work was completed at Mildura.

From 1981 to By 1983

To Dennis Schoenfelder and David Zeuschel/B and D Enterprises, Van Nuys, CA.

Transported by ship.
Moved to the USA.

Restored.
Rebuilt as a racer. It has been reported that components were used in the restoration of a P-51D static restoration at Barksdale, LA.

It is reported that components were used in a static restoration of a P-51D at Barksdale AFB, LA.
For more information about this other airframe see this Airframe Dossier

1983

Photographer: Charlene Aro

9 September 1983

Certificate of airworthiness for NX71FT (P-51D, 00-30) issued.

By 12 September 1983

To unknown owner with c/r N71FT.

From 12 September 1983 to 18 September 1983

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Ron Helve. Qualified in 3rd place with an average speed of 435.98 mph. Started the Gold race, but did not finish. Raced in the Gold 1 race. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 389.39 mph. Started the Gold Semi-Final race, but did not finish. Pulled out before the completion of the first lap with a broken oil line.

December 1983

To Bill G. (Tiger) Destefani, Shafter, CA keeping c/r N71FT.

28 April 1984

Photographer: Mustang World
Notes: Photographed at Shafter, CA.

From 10 September 1984 to 16 September 1984

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Ron Helve. Qualified in 3rd place with an average speed of 440.976 mph. Started Heat 4B, but did not finish. Raced in Heat 7. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 399.523 mph. Started the Championship race, but did not finish. Declared a Mayday and pulled out on lap 7 with a torched piston. Landed safely.

16 September 1984

Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, Nevada.

From 1 June 1985 to 2 June 1985

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed in the National Air Races Bakersfield event. The primary pilot was Ron Hevie from Bakersfield, CA. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 431.451 mph. Raced in Gold Heat. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 402.962 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 425.192 mph. Raced in the Gold Heat race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 402.962 mph. Had low oil pressure during the race and Maydayed at the end of the race.

September 1985

Flown by Ron Hevle in the 1985 National Championship Air Races, Reno, Nevada with a qualifying speed of 359.244 mph.

From 9 September 1985 to 15 September 1985

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Ron Helve. Qualified in 6th place with an average speed of 430.432 mph. Started Heat 2B, but did not finish. Started Heat 3C, but did not finish. Did not start in the Championship race.

Circa 9 September 1985

Photographer: Charlene Aro
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, Nevada.

Circa 1986

Photographer: Michael Huggins
Notes: Chino CA. planes of Fame Air Show.

Circa 1986

Photographer: Malcolm Gougan Collection

Circa 1986

Photographer: Shawn Aro
Notes: Strega pit 1985 Bakersfield Race

To Bill G. (Tiger) Destefani, Sisters, OR.

From 8 September 1986 to 14 September 1986

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani. Qualified in 7th place with an average speed of 427.329 mph. Raced in Heat 1A. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 401.223 mph. Started Heat 2B, but did not finish. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 383.473 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 416.879 mph.

From 14 September 1987 to 20 September 1987

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 466.674 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 441.498 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 445.318 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 452.559 mph.

From 7 May 1988 to 8 May 1988

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the Hamilton Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani from Bakersfield, CA. Qualified in 4th place with an average speed of 373.343 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 412.284 mph.

From 12 September 1988 to 18 September 1988

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Attended the National Championship Air Races, but did not compete in the Unlimited class and it is uncertain if there was an intent to compete. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani.

September 1989

Photographer: Jacqueline Fischer
Notes: Reno-Stead, NV

From 11 September 1989 to 17 September 1989

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani. Qualified in 11th place with an average speed of 396.679 mph. Raced in Heat 1A. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 412.798 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 7th place with an average speed of 433.115 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 444.365 mph. Started the Championship race, but did not finish.

Circa 11 September 1989

Photographer: Timothy Weinschenker
Notes: Tiger Destefani and Strega at the 1989 Reno Air Races.

By 7 June 1990

To unknown owner with c/r N71FT.

From 7 June 1990 to 10 June 1990

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed in the Texas Air Races event. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani. Qualified in 5th place with an average speed of 373.838 mph. Raced in Gold Heat. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 366.474 mph. Raced in the Gold Semi-Final race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 417.576 mph.

30 July 1990

To Bill G. Destefani, Hollywood, FL keeping c/r N71FT.

30 July 1990

To Bill G. Destefani, Bakersfield, CA keeping c/r N71FT.

Based at Shafter Minter Field, Cawelo, CA.
View the Location Dossier

From 11 August 1990 to 12 August 1990

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the Denver Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani. Raced in the Trophy race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 408.363 mph.

From 11 August 1990 to 12 August 1990

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed in the Colorado National Air Races event. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 447.716 mph. Raced in Gold Heat. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 410.038 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 408.636 mph.

From 17 September 1990 to 23 September 1990

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 470.246 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 437.590 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 434.399 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 454.797 mph.

From 9 September 1991 to 15 September 1991

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani. Qualified in 3rd place with an average speed of 449.840 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 462.405 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 461.907 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 478.680 mph.

From 6 June 1992 to 7 June 1992

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed in the Denver Air Races event. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani from Bakersfield, CA. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 404.214 mph. Raced in Heat 1B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 399.289 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 406.223 mph.

From 14 September 1992 to 20 September 1992

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani from Bakersfield, CA. Qualified in 2nd place with an average speed of 452.130 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 408.107 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 453.492 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 450.835 mph.

After 1993

Photographer: Charlene Aro

From 13 September 1993 to 19 September 1993

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 452.940 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 440.179 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 442.948 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 455.380 mph.

From 22 October 1993 to 24 October 1993

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed in the Kansas City Air Races event. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 425.39 mph. Raced in Heat 3 Silver. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 391.92 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 408.91 mph. During the Championship Race cut Pylon 3 on the Pace Lap.

From 18 March 1994 to 20 March 1994

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the Phoenix 500 Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 465.745 mph. Started the Championship race, but did not finish. During the Gold Race left on the Pace Lap with a sheared blower drive.

From 12 September 1994 to 18 September 1994

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani. Qualified in 3rd place with an average speed of 453.690 mph. Started Heat 2B, but did not finish. Raced in the Consolation race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 362.347 mph.

From 23 March 1995 to 26 March 1995

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the Phoenix 500 Air Races in the Unlimited Professional race. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani from Bakersfield, CA. Qualified in 2nd place with an average speed of 435.271 mph. Raced in Heat 1A. Finished in 5th place with an average speed of 371.501 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 409.039 mph. After qualifying the crew found the engine was cracked. They were forced to race with the stock engine.

From 11 September 1995 to 17 September 1995

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani. Qualified in 5th place with an average speed of 434.667 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 458.617 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 464.081 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 467.029 mph.

From 9 September 1996 to 15 September 1996

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani. Qualified in 3rd place with an average speed of 465.516 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 477.632 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 467.948 mph.

Circa 9 September 1996

Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races.

Circa 9 September 1996

Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races.

Circa 9 September 1996

Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races.

8 November 1996

To Bill G. Destefani, Sisters, OR keeping c/r N71FT.

From 8 September 1997 to 14 September 1997

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani from Bakersfield, CA. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 464.245 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 458.820 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 452.936 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 453.130 mph.

September 1997

Damaged.
Damaged on landing at Reno, NV.

From 1997 to By 1999

Restored.
Markings Applied: Strega
Rebuilt with the racer configuration maintained.

From 14 September 1998 to 20 September 1998

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Attended the National Championship Air Races, but did not compete in the Unlimited class and it is uncertain if there was an intent to compete.

From 13 September 1999 to 19 September 1999

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani from Bakersfield, CA. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 479.620 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 450.501 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 463.590 mph. Started the Championship race, but did not finish.

From 11 September 2000 to 17 September 2000

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani from Bakersfield, CA. Qualified in 5th place with an average speed of 429.858 mph.

Circa 11 September 2000

Photographer: Unknown
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races.

Circa 11 September 2000

Photographer: David Leininger
Notes: Photographed at the National Champsionship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV.

Circa 11 September 2000

Photographer: David Leininger
Notes: Photographed at the National Champsionship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV.

From 10 September 2001 to 15 September 2001

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Attended the National Championship Air Races, but did not compete in the Unlimited class and it is uncertain if there was an intent to compete. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani from Bakersfield, CA. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 429.858 mph.

From 9 September 2002 to 15 September 2002

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani from Bakersfield, CA. Qualified in 2nd place with an average speed of 486.798 mph. Raced in Heat 3D. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 413.938 mph. Started the Championship race, but did not finish.

From 12 September 2005 to 18 September 2005

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Appeared at the National Championship Air Races to compete in the Unlimited class, but did not qualify. The primary pilot was Curt Brown from Hudson, WI. Did not start in Heat 1C.

From 11 September 2006 to 17 September 2006

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani from Bakersfield, CA. Qualified in 5th place with an average speed of 442.559 mph. Started Heat 2B, but did not finish. Started Heat 3C, but did not finish. Started the Championship race, but did not finish.

From 10 September 2007 to 16 September 2007

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani from Bakersfield, CA. Qualified in 4th place with an average speed of 450.607 mph. Started Heat 3C, but did not finish.

19 April 2008

Photographer: Todd Royer
Notes: Shot at Minter Field California

17 May 2008

Photographer: Dan Stijovich
Notes: SteveO Hinton doing a flyby at the 2008 Planes of Fame airshow @ Chino

From 8 September 2008 to 14 September 2008

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani from Bakersfield, CA. Qualified in 3rd place with an average speed of 472.792 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 4th place with an average speed of 446.042 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 3rd place with an average speed of 468.34 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 483.062 mph.

1 January 2009

Certificate of airworthiness for NX71FT (P-51D, 00-30) issued.

From 14 September 2009 to 20 September 2009

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Stevo Hinton from Chino, CA. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 486.170 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 450.743 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 480.077 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 491.822 mph.

From 13 September 2010 to 19 September 2010

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Stevo Hinton from Bakersfield, CA. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 484.255 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 465.664 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 473.437 mph. Raced in the Championship race. The race was canceled and 1st place was assigned based on previous heat results.

16 September 2010

Photographer: Mike Henniger

16 September 2010

Photographer: Mike Henniger

Circa 16 September 2010

Photographer: Mark Hrutkay
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV.

Circa 16 September 2010

Photographer: Mark Hrutkay
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV.

Circa 16 September 2010

Photographer: Mark Hrutkay
Notes: Photographed at the National Championship Air Races at Stead Field near Reno, NV.

12 September 2011

Photographer: Mike Henniger
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races. In this photo Steven Hinton, the pilot of Strega, carries out an inspection.

From 12 September 2011 to 16 September 2011

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Stevo Hinton from Chino, CA. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 499.160 mph.

14 April 2012

To Bill G. Destefani, Bakersfield, CA keeping c/r N71FT.

From 10 September 2012 to 16 September 2012

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Stevo Hinton from Chino, CA. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 493.299 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 473.257 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 472.642 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 477.523 mph.

11 September 2012

Photographer: Mike Henniger
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races.

11 September 2012

Photographer: Mike Henniger
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races.

16 September 2012

Photographer: Mike Henniger
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races.

17 September 2012

Photographer: Mike Henniger
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races.

17 September 2012

Photographer: Mike Henniger
Notes: Photographed at the Reno Air Races.

From 9 September 2013 to 15 September 2013

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Matt Jackson from Northridge, CA. No time was recorded and finished in 14th place. Raced in Heat 2C. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 433.67 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 474.926 mph.

From 8 September 2014 to 14 September 2014

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Bill G *Tiger* Destefani from Bakersfield, CA. Qualified in 6th place with an average speed of 381.048 mph. Raced in Heat 1B. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 413.479 mph. Raced in Heat 2C. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 462.431 mph. Started Heat 3C, but was disqualified.

From 14 September 2015 to 20 September 2015

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was Robert *Hoot* Gibson from Murfreesboro, TN. Qualified in 3rd place with an average speed of 464.246 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 2nd place with an average speed of 472.871 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 484.793 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 488.983 mph.

19 September 2015

Photographer: Allen Hess
Notes: Biplane Class Race #10, Pitts S-1S Bad Mojo 2015-0918-0093 Stead Airport, Reno, Nv Pilot: Jake Stewart. Winner of last years Biplane Class Gold Race and 2nd place this year, Bad Mojo gets pushed out for a preliminary race.

From 11 September 2017 to 17 September 2017

Raced as #7, named Strega.
Competed at the National Championship Air Races in the Unlimited class. The primary pilot was James Consalvi from Lakewood, CO. Qualified in 1st place with an average speed of 484.724 mph. Raced in Heat 2B. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 487.892 mph. Raced in Heat 3C. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 479.124 mph. Raced in the Championship race. Finished in 1st place with an average speed of 481.340 mph.

Photographer: David Lednicer
Notes: The Unlimited Class racer Strega being pulled out for a qualifying attempt at the Reno Air Races.