What began as an exciting weekend of aerial displays at McConnell Air Force Base took a dramatic turn when a powerful microburst struck on August 25, disrupting the second day of the Frontiers in Flight Air Show. Among the casualties was the CAF Jayhawk Wing’s prized aircraft—the 80-year-old UC-78 Bobcat.
The microburst caused widespread damage, impacting several aircraft and forcing the cancellation of the airshow’s final day. “The storm knocked down tents, scattered debris across the airfield, and made it unsafe to continue,” explained CAF Colonel Allan Feek, a pilot for the A-26 Lady Liberty who was also present at the event. Despite the challenges, the Jayhawk Wing is determined to restore the damaged Bobcat, which sustained most of its damage to the tail section. “We’ve already sourced replacement parts and will begin work shortly,” said Ben Sorenson, the wing’s operations officer, mechanic, and pilot. The historic aircraft remains at McConnell Air Force Base, awaiting the next phase of its restoration. Built in Wichita in 1943, the UC-78 Bobcat holds special significance as a local aviation icon. The aircraft, primarily constructed from wood and fabric, presents unique challenges when it comes to finding the proper materials for repair. You can click HERE to donate towards the restoration.
In December 1943, just before Christmas, Cessna serial number 6516 rolled off the production line at Wichita’s Pawnee Avenue plant. Powered by twin 245-horsepower Jacobs R-755-9 radial engines, the aircraft—designated UC-78B with serial number 43-32578—took to the skies for its maiden flight. This Bobcat was the 816th aircraft built under a contract signed on July 30, 1942, for 1,000 UC-78s. After a few days of successful test flights, 43-32578 was delivered to Douglas Army Airfield (AAF) in Arizona. In exchange, Cessna received the contract price of $17,775. Following the end of World War II, the War Assets Administration sold 43-32578 in late 1945. It was registered as NC44795 to Robert D. Baer of La Jolla, California. Baer used the aircraft for personal transportation and flight training, and although it was based in southern California, it made several trips to the Midwest during the 1950s. Eventually, Baer donated the aircraft to Air Group One, a wing of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) based in San Diego, California. Air Group One maintained the Bobcat for several years before deciding they could no longer support the aircraft. In 1994, the plane was returned to CAF Headquarters in Midland, Texas. It remained there until the Jayhawk Wing decided to sponsor it in 2000. A dedicated group of Jayhawk members made two trips to Midland to prepare N44795 for its ferry flight to Wichita. In March 2001, the UC-78B was flown to **Westport Airport** in Wichita, where it became part of the Jayhawk Wing’s collection. Under the care of the Jayhawk Wing, N44795 was lovingly restored to its original condition as it appeared during its service at Douglas AAF. The restoration was officially unveiled during a special “roll-out” ceremony at Westport Airport (locally known as Dead Cow International) on April 25, 2001.
Once fully airworthy again, N44795 will take to the Kansas skies from Westport Airport—just as it did during its early years, alongside the 5,398 other “Bobcats” produced. Today, N44795 is one of the few remaining airworthy UC-78 Bobcats, continuing to honor its storied legacy. As part of the Commemorative Air Force, the Jayhawk Wing relies on the dedication of volunteers and donations to keep these vintage aircraft operational. “It’s a rare aircraft, but there are still other Bobcats around. We’re confident we’ll be able to source all the parts we need once the process begins,” said Ken Newell, the wing’s finance officer. Ben Sorenson added, “Right after we posted about the damage on Facebook, we began hearing from people offering to help. We’re incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement.” To follow the restoration or contribute to the project, visit www.cafjayhawks.org, or follow updates on the CAF Jayhawk Wing’s Facebook page @caf.wing. You can also click HERE to donate directly.
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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