| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Registration / Serial: | N22E |
| Aircraft Original Type: | Pitts S-1 Special |
| Aircraft Generic Type: | Aerotek Pitts S-1 Special |
| Aircraft Version: | Aerotek Pitts S-1C Special |
| C/n (msn): | 2 |
| Aircraft Name: | Little Stinker |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| City / Airport: | Washington - Dulles InternationalMap |
| Region / Country: | Virginia, United States |
| Airport Codes: | ICAO: KIAD IATA: IAD Local: IAD Other: - |
| Collection: | National Air and Space Museum (Smithsonian) - Udvar-Hazy Center |
| Photo Date: | 13 October 2023 |
| Photo by: | J. Roy |
| Photo ID: | 780950 |
| Photo Comment |
|---|
|
The oldest surviving Pitts Special, Little Stinker was the second aircraft constructed by Curtis Pitts. Betty Skelton bought this airplane in 1948, and with it she won the 1949 and '50 International Feminine Aerobatic Championships. Her impressive flying skill and public relations ability heightened awareness of both aerobatics and the Pitts design. Skelton sold Little Stinker in 1951, but she and her husband later reacquired it and donated it to the Smithsonian. A volunteer crew restored it from 1996 to 2001. This photo is copyright © J. Roy, and may not be used or published in any way without permission. It was added on 19 February 2025, and has since been viewed 50 times. |