Another VF-9M Mystery November 6 1933

[twocee]

Thanks for that interesting story about the rear fuselage rebuilding. On the basis that the aircraft's identity would have "belonged" to the centre fuselage/cockpit area then it can indeed be said that 9038 became 9719.

Zalanka's efforts were very worthwhile as 9719 was in service with VF-9M/VMF-1 until March 1938. As was usual it then went to Pensacola for use as a trainer but only lasted for eleven months. On 20 February 1939 it was being flown by Lt(jg) E.G. Osborn on a night cross-country when fog set in and, becoming lost, he chose to bail out at 1500' near McDavid FL.