Aircraft N80404 Data

Airframe Info

Manufacturer:	Beech
Model:	35 Bonanza    Search all Beech 35
Year built:	1947
Construction Number (C/N):	D-4
Aircraft Type:	Fixed wing single engine
Number of Seats:	4
Number of Engines:	1
Engine Type:	Reciprocating

Aircraft

Registration Number:	N80404
Mode S (ICAO24) Code:	AAF32E
Certification Class:	Standard
Certification Issued:	2009-08-13
Air Worthiness Test:	1956-01-26
Last Action Taken:	2009-08-13
Current Status:	Valid

Owner

Registration Type:	Individual
Address:	Weatherford, TX 76086 United States
Region:	Southwestern

User Comments

G C Paige, 2006-09-04 04:00:00
	Appears to be the oldest Bonanza registered.
Es Robinson, 2007-05-27 04:00:00
	I believe the FAA source records for this airframe are incorrect - multiple historical references show all point to D-4 being the example which has been with The Smithsonian Institute since 1949. I appreciate that particular airframe has also been misquoted as D-1 but D-1. 2 & 5 are quoted as never flown - each being tested to destruction on the ground (D-3 being the first to fly). D-4 was actually NX later N80040 anyway (now worn by D-398).
ray johnson, 2011-10-30 10:29:00
	Thank you for responding about the Bonanza that is in the AIR AND SPACE MUSUEM and mentioned on your web page.Its N# is N80040 That plane has for decades been referred to as serial number D-4. I own D-4 reg.# N80404.This is the original N # to my plane.The two last digits of N number designated the order in which they came out of the factory in the very early Beech Bonanzas.Of course over time some had N numbers changed to personalize the plane to the owner.But the serial number never changes.Some as mine have original N #. I have the original Airwortiness Certificate in my plane in my name which States it is D-4. To clear up what has happened over time.There were 5 pre production Bonanzas.They were referred to as no.1 no.2 no.3 no.4 and 5.People and magazines over the decades have referred to Old # four as D-4 because all Bonanzas Have a D in front of their serial number,but most people{except Historians} dont know of the pre production models which were used in an accelerated Maintenance Program.Most didnt leave the factory,but Old # 4 did and was experimental for a long time.In that time it distinguished itself by setting many records.And finally wound up in the Smithsonian Air And Space. I wish my plane were that plane but it is not.However it is the Oldest CERTIFIED Bonanza in the fleet.Which It and I wear that proudly.D4 has been through extensive rebuild to original condition and is Hangared in Mineral wells Tex.{ KMWL} All I have reported has been verified with the Beechcraft Heritage Museum's Curator,Wade Mcnab located in Tullahoma Tn.And through History Books. Please forgive my lengthy email.But is hard to unravel such widely spread,incorrect information thats been going on for decades and probably will never be straightened out.When i go to Aircraft shows and such I carry with me the proof to validate my claim to my Serial number because there is always at least one self appointed Historian in the crowd that challenges me. Thank you once again for taking your time to hear my story of DELTA FOUR.