N3278D, 44-73216a, formerly 44-73423, N5465V and N31248, in its final paint scheme. Crashed in June 1987. See also case #28.

This is Jerry Miles P-51D N3278D, serial # 44-73423. The plane was sitting forlorn outside Aero-Sport at Chino for several years, until it was sold to Jerry Miles who rebuilt it over several years. Eventually it adopted the identity of 44-73216 which had crashed some years earlier (see case #309). The plane then crashed in the hands of new owner Wayne Meylan in June 87. T J Johansen Oslo, NORWAY

I had the honor to fly in this aircraft with Jerry Miles in the summer of 1986 and it was quite a thrill. We flew out of Chino and did 350 mph in a slight dive towards Lake Matthews, coming back up in a chandelle on the other side. Jerry was an accomplished pilot and absolute gentlemen.