8/20/94, Wings of Eagles Airshow, Batavia, New York.  “F8F-1 Bearcat Beauty”

Three views of Howard Pardue's F8F-1 Bearcat NL14HP (Bu. No. 90446) on static display during the Wings of Eagles annual airshow at Geneseo County airport.  Note the name "Kimberly Brooke" on the cowling.

A frequent airshow participant under Mr. Pardue’s ownership for 30 years, this beautiful airplane was destroyed in a crash shortly after takeoff at Breckenridge, TX on 4/4/12.  Sadly, the crash took the life of Mr. Pardue, who was 77 at the time.  According to the Aerial Visuals website, as of 2017 parts from NL14HP were being used to restore F8F Bu. No. 95356 at Breckenridge.  The Aerial Visuals website (https://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=9806) has an interesting history of NL14HP.

 

 

(Facebook post in Planes_Trains_Ships, 1/30/25)