15AC-278 was manufactured in 1948. Apart from a black and white photo, published in the May 1994 issue of FlyPast, we have not come across any other pictures of this aircraft in its original factory paint scheme, yet. But in December 2018, we did receive the following lines by Matthew Castor, shedding some light on this Sedan's past:
"I am not sure, what airfield it was at, though I know, it was near Lacrosse, Wisconsin. I would occasionally go out to work on N1267H together with my grandfather, Harry Castor. That's me in the photos (01-02) and I would guess, this was sometime between 1989 and 1991. My grandfather took these. He passed away, years ago, and when I came across that old photo album, I wondered what ever happened to the old bird. Then, I found the pictures and info on this website. I am not 100% sure about the ownership arrangement between my grandfather and his brother, but there's a 1978 EAA attendance list that has my great uncle John Castor's name associated with N1267H. I am not currently a pilot, though I started on my private pilot's license, years ago. I'd love to make it happen and get the Sedan back in the family to make more memories with my kids, some day."
15AC-278 has been upgraded with a fuel-injected, 180 hp, 4-cylinder Lycoming IO-360 engine and a Hartzell constant-speed propeller. As of March 2011, the airframe had only 1407 hours since new and the engine 110 hours since overhaul. The wings feature vortex generators. The instrument panel is equipped with the following: Garmin GNS 430, King NavCom, Garmin glideslope and localizer indicator, Garmin transponder, JPI EDM-700 engine analyzer, King KMA 26 audio panel and intercom, directional gyro. The ELT is an ARTEX 406. Photos 03-11 date back to March 2011 and depict the Sedan in the above described condition.
Previously based at Jenks, Oklahoma, N1267H was sold to Walt Fricke, in May 2013, and, for about a year, had two homes: The Crystal Airport (KMIC), northwest of Minneapolis, and the Major Gilbert Field Airport (4R5), near La Pointe on Madeline Island, Wisconsin, USA. But Walt has since traded it off, again, and replaced it with a wonderful Stearman. We hope, the new owner will get in touch with us, so we can continue to document this Sedan's story.
(This page last updated: 07/2019)
Click on the thumbnails to view the pictures in full size.
Photos © Matthew Castor (01-02), Phil Kirk (03-11)
