North American Harvard NZ1044 is one of 202 Harvards ordered by the RNZAF as an advanced pilot trainer, arriving in NZ in June 1943 and operated by No 2 Fighter Operational Training Unit (FOTU) at Ohakea during World War 2.
On 4 April 1945 it suffered minor damage after a gear leg collapsed as the aircraft taxied off the runway due to the undercarriage down lock not being properly in place. It only needed a replacement aileron and wing tip before returning to service.
It was put into storage after the war until the early 1950’s, at which time it was the first of the RNZAF Harvards to be put through an upgrade program. It flew again in 1954 with No.3 Territorial Air Force (TAF) at Wigram until 1958, when it was once more placed into long term storage.
In 1972 it was sold to the National Airways Corporation (NAC) for $250 and was used as an instructional airframe for the technical training school in Christchurch. The aircraft was finally sold and the aircraft remained in Canterbury.
In March 2020, Bevan Dewes purchased the aircraft and had it transported to Wanaka where Callum Smith’s maintenance & restoration company Twenty24 Ltd is based. Over the next 2.5 years they ran a full systems & components overhaul and restoration, which Bevan has been heavily involved in. The aeroplane repaint was completed by Heli Support. NZ1044 aircraft has been painted in the colours it wore during its time with No.2 FOTU at Ohakea during World War 2.
The aircraft flew at Classic Fighters 2023 and the Omaka Wings & Wheels Days in 2024. We are looking forward to welcoming it back this coming Easter in 2025!
About Marlborough Lines Classic Fighters Omaka: The airshow is the main fundraising event for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum, located in Blenheim, Marlborough NZ.
