Curtiss P-40N Warhawk serial number 42-105120, previously known as “Bonnie Kaye,” has recently entered the market and is being offered for sale by warbird pilot Thom Richard, representing the owner Ed Wilsey. A veteran of the Aleutian Islands campaign, this aircraft represents one of the most historically significant and comprehensively restored examples of the type currently available. Originally built during World War II at the Curtiss Aircraft plant in Buffalo, New York, 42-105120 was part of the P-40 series that formed the backbone of U.S. Army Air Forces fighter operations during the early and mid-war years. The P-40N was the final major production variant, featuring weight reductions and refinements intended to extract improved performance from the Allison-powered fighter late in its operational life. Accepted into USAAF service in 1943, the aircraft was assigned to the 343rd Fighter Group and operated in the unforgiving environment of the Aleutian Islands. It was flown by Capt. Ernest Hickox, who named the aircraft Bonnie Kaye in honor of his wife and daughter. On 25 July 1945, while escorting a PBY on a search-and-rescue mission over Unalaska Island, the Warhawk crashed in rugged terrain. Capt. Hickox was killed in the accident and was later awarded the Soldier’s Medal posthumously for his heroism during the non-combat mission. The wreckage remained at the crash site for nearly five decades.
In the early 1990s, aviation enthusiast Ken Hake located the remains of Bonnie Kaye and organized their recovery from Alaska, beginning the aircraft’s long path back to flight. The salvaged airframe was later acquired by Chris and Gail Kirchner’s C & G Air, who initiated a decade-long restoration at Leeward Air Ranch in Ocala, Florida. The project ultimately returned the aircraft to flying condition. Following completion of the restoration, the Warhawk—registered N692CK—made its post-restoration first flight in January 2016. During this period, the aircraft wore markings inspired by the famed 80th Fighter Group “Burma Banshees,” featuring the group’s distinctive skull motif. The aircraft later transitioned to its current appearance, finished in standard USAAC olive drab with the iconic shark mouth and a “52” on the tail.
The restoration was carried out by Warbird Adventures in conjunction with American Aero Services and resulted in a rare, fully dual-controlled, dual-cockpit TP-40 configuration. The aircraft has since earned Grand Champion honors at Sun ’n Fun and received the Judges’ Choice award at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
The Warhawk has approximately 75 hours since restoration and since a major overhaul by ACE Allisons. It is equipped with a Hamilton Standard Hydromatic propeller, ammo bay fuel tanks, newly manufactured radiators and oil coolers by Replicore, and is IFR capable with a Garmin GTN 750 and dual G5 displays. Strong parachutes are included. The aircraft is offered as a turnkey example in the Limited category. In 2018, the aircraft was acquired by Echo Delta Aviation LLC of Okeechobee, Florida, and remains an active, privately owned warbird. For additional information regarding this exceptional Curtiss P-40N Warhawk, interested parties are encouraged to contact Thom Richard directly (click HERE).
