| NZ2384 was built as FB.VI PZ474 at Hatfield and delivered to 19MU (St Athans) on April 19, 1945. Issued to 80 OTU on May 5, the aiorcraft then went to 132 OTU (East Fortune) on June 13. The aircraft was subsequently stored at 15 MU from February 18, 1946 until it was sold to the RNZAF. After arrival in New Zealand on April 3, 1948 the aircraft was returned to storage. Sold to Aircraft Supplies Ltd of Palmerston North through Government Stores Board tender No.4980 in July 1953, and registered as ZK-BCV on September 2. It flew to California in February 1954 where it was intended for sale to Trans World Engineering Corp of Burbank. Registered as N9909F its subsequent operations are not on record, although it was used by the CIA in South America. Sold to the Insurance Finance Corporation of Studio City, it was based at Whiteman Park. There it slowly deteriorated, and the fuselage was eventually cut in half. Deregistered in 1970, some components and structures of the derelict aircraft were kept in storage with Jim Merizan. One report indicates the remains have now gone to Sweden. (www.kiwiaircraftimages.com/mosquito.html‎) |