| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Registration / Serial: | NX16793 |
| Alternate Registration: | X16793 |
| Aircraft Original Type: | Fleetwings F-4 Sea Bird |
| Aircraft Generic Type: | Fleetwings F-4/F-5 Sea Bird |
| Aircraft Version: | Fleetwings F-4 Sea Bird |
| C/n (msn): | F-401 |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| City / Seaplane Base: | Bristol - Fleetwings Seaplane (closed) |
| Region / Country: | Pennsylvania, United States |
| Airport Codes: | None |
| Photo Date: | 1937 |
| Photo from: | AirHistory.net Contributed Photo Archive |
| Photo ID: | 683086 |
| Photo Comment |
|---|
|
The prototype Sea Bird on the ramp outside the Fleetwings seaplane factory. The FAA serial number is confirmed by the log book of pilot William H. Engle whose first flight in it was on 25 March 1937. That and all subsequent flights were recorded as on X16793. The skin is 0.010 thick stainless steel and it has been given a swirl finish to make it look attractive. The wing and empennage structures are also made from stainless steel with fabric covering. Engine is a Jacobs L-5 giving 285 hp. The three-section landing gear fairing disappeared from photos from 1938 on, however this aircraft was seen at Oshkosh 1992 with fairings, although possibly not originals. Texas based as N16793 in 2024. Photo from: Alan Reddig via Tim Martin This photo was added on 2 May 2024, and has since been viewed 103 times. |