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Post by Peter Lewis on Dec 14, 2014 22:51:51 GMT 12
I was scanning some old slides today, and I came across two of Tiger Moth ZK-BFX. These were taken in the USA October/November 1976. As you will know, ZK-BFX was a 1954 import from the UK and worked in the topdressing industry, ending up with Weedair in the 1960s. Rescued by Ian Bennie, he rebuilt it using some parts from ZK-BAN/ZK-COU and BFX flew again in November 1974. Early in 1975 Ian freighted the Tiger by air to the USA and flew it there as ZK-BFX. The aircraft - and Ian - were damaged in a crash following a stall on approach to Mojave Airport, CA, 22Jun75. Rebuilt, still as BFX, he won the 'International Award' for his restoration work at the Oshkosh meet in 1976. The Tiger became N99108 with a Las Vegas owner in late 1976. Two owners later, it carshed at Orlando, CA, in 1985. I assume this was terminal for the aircraft. A query - what happed to Ian Bennie after this adventure? He had previously restored several Tigers locally in the early 1970s, and was involved with the MG Car Club at that time. I flew as a passenger in one of his Tigers, ZK-CZX, from Turangi airfield at one stage. According to an american newspaper report he was considering going to the Bahamas after selling BFX. Certainly, he seems to have dropped off the kiwi aircraft restoration scene.
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Post by madmax on Jun 3, 2015 2:06:49 GMT 12
Hi Peter, Read in an American aviation mag about 20 years ago where Ian had restored a rare aircraft in the US. I cannot recall what type it was all I can remember it was metal and low wing. It may have been powered by a radial engine but I'm not 100% sure of that, it may have been an early Ryan but again I not 100%. At the time he was living on a moored yacht but cannot recall where in the US.
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Post by Peter Lewis on Jun 3, 2015 8:42:35 GMT 12
Thanks.
Yes, as I remember it he was a bit alternative.
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tintop
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 1
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Post by tintop on Sept 1, 2015 23:20:41 GMT 12
Thanks. Yes, as I remember it he was a bit alternative.
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tintopa
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 4
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Post by tintopa on Dec 6, 2017 17:20:22 GMT 12
Ian is in Whangarei ( Kamo) Still alive and kicking - but not kicking as hard nowadays. He takes on the odd machinery and vehicle repair and rebuild work, and is restoring a MGA Coupe.
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