He 111 and B–17G, September 02–06, 1996

The Commemorative Air Force (Arizona Wing) from Mesa AZ., displayed two of their WW-II aircraft at Hector Airport. A Heinkel He 111 medium bomber and a Boeing B–17G Heavy Bomber. I did not attend this event. I don’t recall knowing about it or seeing Bob’s photos until I was reviewing his negatives for this blog. The aircraft were on display at Dakota Aero Tech, Inc., from 9 a.m. to dusk.

“Sentimental Journey” the Boeing B–17G ‘Flying Fortress’ has been in Fargo before, and it would return here many more times. It is a regular visiting exhibit at the Fargo Air Museum.

The Heinkel He 111 medium bomber was built by CASA in Spain after WW-II. This modified Spanish 2.111D served as a transport for Spanish VIPs, including General Francisco Franco. It was purchased in England by the Commemorative Air Force in 1977. This aircraft was the only flying example. Unfortunately in 2003 it crashed in Cheyenne Wyoming; killing the pilot: Neil R. Stamp, and the copilot: Charles Stephen Bates. It also destroyed the aircraft. I believe this was the only time it was in Fargo. [See the links below]

Heinkel He 111 / CASA 2.111DA Heinkel He 111 WW-II medium bomber. Built in Spain after the war. General Franco's personal transport. 9K-GS #7052. Photo by Bob Nelson, September 1996 at Hector Field.

Photographs

See the Full Gallery or the Gallery Slideshow for more photos of the He 111 and B–17G: 25 in total with detailed photo/airplane descriptions. Bob Nelson’s photos (Black & White 1431–1432) are ©1996, 2018, 2019; used with permission.
The numbered links go to addition aircraft information.

Aircraft On Display

1. B–17G–85DL ‘Flying Fortress’. WW-II heavy bomber. Painted as “Sentimental Journal” F 44–83514 398th Bomb Group, 92nd Bomb Group, 94th Bomb Group. Confederate Air Force, Arizona Wing, Mesa AZ. N9323Z B–17G Limited. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
2. He 111 WW-II medium bomber. General Franco’s personal transport. Built in Spain after the war. 9K-GS #7052 Confederate Air Force, Arizona Wing, Mesa AZ. N72615. Flown by Clint Frasier. 1, 2

Links

• He 111 Heinkel Bomber Tour and Flight Demo YouTube video and tour of the aircraft.
• He 111 Photos Additional photos of this aircraft.
• He 111 Postscript The tragic end to this aircraft and its crew.