The aircraft was destroyed on September 17, 1983, in a Pylon Air Race during the Reno National Air Races at Stead Airport, Nevada. In an attempt to avoid a collision at about 200 mph, the aircraft stalled and with only 35 feet of altitude it crashed hard. The engine and wings were violently ripped off, fortunately the cockpit portion remained intact, and the pilot escaped injuries. The aircraft went to the National Air Race Museum and was restored for static display, later it hung above a bar in the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada for several years. Eventually it was transferred to the EAA museum.