THERE'S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO PLACE AN AIRPLANE AT TUCSCON

This airplane is NOT recorded in the Davis-Monthan Airfield Register. However, we know it was there because we have it on movie film on the ground at Tucson. It was flown to the Airfield on July 10, 1928 by Frank Hawks as airplane #2 in the Ford Reliability Tour of 1928. Follow this link to see a motion picture film of the 1928 Tour landing at Tucson. You will see Hawks' Ford Trimotor just briefly, and be able to note the registration number, NC3443, under the left wing, as well as The Texas Company corporate logo.

NC3443 was built by the Stout Metal Airplane Co., Dearborn, MI November 20, 1927 as S/N 4-AT-14. It left the factory with three Wright J-5 engines (S/Ns 8101, 8112, 8063) of 200HP each. It sold on February 15, 1928 to The Texas Company, New York, NY, "for passenger carrying". The NASM record states that it was, "Used by Capt. Frank M. Hawks for promotional work." Indeed it was, as the 1928 Tour passed through many states.

The airplane was reported, "Washed out" in an accident at Floresville, TX on December 29, 1928. No report of injuries. No further information.

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Dossier 3.1.16

UPLOADED: 12/28/07 REVISED: