Today in Aviation History: P-51C Mustang ‘Thunderbird’ Sets Transcontinental Speed Record

Seventy-six years ago, the P-51C Mustang Thunderbird streaked across the skies, setting a transcontinental speed record that would etch its name into aviation history. P

Austin Hancock
Austin Hancock
Joe C. De Bona in the cockpit of N5528N. (San Diego Air and Space Museum Archives, Catalog #: 00069383)
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Seventy-six years ago today, on March 29, 1949, the P-51C Mustang Thunderbird set a new transcontinental speed record in the United States. Flown by former Army Major Joseph C. De Bona, Thunderbird departed Lockheed Air Terminal in Burbank, California, at approximately 6:20 AM. Over the next five hours, the cobalt-blue Mustang carved a path into the record books, cruising at 30,000 feet and averaging an astonishing 490.625 miles per hour.

Copy of Allan Grant LIFE MagazineJoe De Bona and James M. Stewart with Thunderbird a North American Aviation P 51C Mustang N5528N April 1949.
Joe DeBona and James M. Stewart with Thunderbird in April 1949, before the Bendix win. (Allan Grant/LIFE Magazine via AirCorps Aviation)

After covering 2,453.805 statute miles, Thunderbird touched down at LaGuardia Airport in New York City at approximately 2:20 PM. The mission had been a success, though not without its challenges. During the flight, the P-51C suffered a cracked canopy, an oxygen system failure, loss of oil pressure, and had just seven minutes’ worth of fuel remaining upon arrival. Despite these obstacles, De Bona and Thunderbird had cemented their place in aviation history.

The world record setting North American Aviation P 51C Mustang N5528N Thunderbird. San Diego Air Space Museum Archives Catalog 00069380
The world record-setting North American Aviation P-51C Mustang, N5528N, Thunderbird. (San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives, Catalog #: 00069380)

Today, the legendary P-51C N5528N continues to soar. Restored to airworthy condition by AirCorps Aviation in Bemidji, Minnesota, Thunderbird was given a second lease on life. After its record-breaking feat, the aircraft went on to be owned and flown by Hollywood icon and World War II pilot Jimmy Stewart. Later, it was piloted by trailblazing aviator Jackie Cochran, the famed Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) member and multiple aviation record-holder.

Copy of IMG 9873
Thunderbird on jacks at the AirCorps Aviation hangar. (image via AirCorps Aviation)

Throughout the 1950s, Thunderbird became a familiar sight at air races, thrilling spectators and pilots alike. Unfortunately, in 1955, the aircraft was damaged in a crash due to a landing gear failure. Decades later, after an extensive restoration effort, Thunderbird emerged as an Oshkosh award-winning Mustang. Today, it remains a flying tribute to the golden era of air racing and record-breaking flights, gracing the skies once more.

N5528N P51C Thunderbird R6 0881
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Commercial Pilot, CFI, and Museum Entrepreneur, with a subject focus on WWII Aviation. I am dedicated to building flight experience so I can fly WWII Fighters, such as the P-51 Mustang, for museums and airshows, and in the USAF Heritage Flight. I lead and run the Pennington Flight Memorial, to honor local MIA Tuskegee Airman F/O Leland “Sticky” Pennington.
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