Looking for N34037 ('41 BC12-65)

[Bret L.]

I am hoping to be able to locate an airplane that was in our family for years. N34037 is a 1941 Taylorcraft BC12-65 (s/n 2088) that was owned by my great uncle in the 1960s and flown by my grandfather, father, and uncle. Although N34037 was sold before I learned to fly, the aircraft remains a source of many family flying stories and it inspired my interest and appreciation for vintage aircraft. N34037 last appeared to be registered to Stephen Fribley of Auburn, Washington but it sounds like he passed away around 2020 and his aircraft have since been sold. The plane's registration expired in April 2020, and I would hate to see 037 parted-out or left neglected. If, by any chance, you happen to know of the whereabouts of N34037, or you might know of someone who does, I would greatly appreciate any information or help you can provide. Thank you very much for your time!

Bret Lynes
562-253-3617
Los Alamitos, California

[Ragwing nut]

join the facebook group. lots more activity over there.

[Peterroy]

Good luck. If you find her, please let us know

[JKBichsel]

Here is the last known registrations information of the T-Craft (paste this in your browser)

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=34037

[Hank Jarrett]

Her registration was only canceled on 8/2/2020. The info you posted is the same as what I have in the database. The plane "could" still exist at an airport near Auburn. The city is only 19 miles from SEATAC International but seriously doubt she would have operated from there. Only 21 miles away is King County Intl (KBFI) again, pretty busy for a Taylorcraft. Also 29 miles from Kenmore Air Harbor seaplane base (W55). If there is an EAA chapter in the area you could start a search with them. Having only fallen off the rolls 3 years ago I am betting SOMEONE in the area knew the owner and may have some contact info. Time for some investigation and someone who lives in the area.

Hank

[Peterroy]

My search revealed that on May 28,1978 the plane was involved in a stall/spin accident while participating in a short field take off contest at Watsonville, California. According to the NTSB report, the "Pilot in Command failed to obtain/maintain flying speed". The pilot was 22 and sustained serious injuries. Seeing that the registration was cancelled in 2020 suggests it was repaired and took to the Skys again.

[Bret L.]

Thank you all for your replies and for your interest in the search for N34037. I'm not on Facebook, but it sounds like that's the next option. I did contact the Auburn, WA airport manager and was connected with a few people that knew the previous owner. Apparently, family members cleaned out the hangar/storage and sold everything by auction after the previous owner's death. The 1978 accident sounds significant, but the fairly recent registration is still encouraging. Thank you again for all your input and interest; I'm glad to be included in such an enthusiastic group and I am confident there will be a T-Craft in the family again!

[Hank Jarrett]

Keep us up on status! Might find nothing, might find real treasure! No mater how bad the damage (OK, except for her burning) she can be brought back! Won't make financial sense if she is really bad but since when do we do things that makes sense? Been working on my wrecked 45 since the late 70s!

Hank

[NC36061]

Its also equally possible it was scrapped after the accident or sometime later, and the data plate remained registered. I have 3 data plates with logs that are still registered. Hopefully you can find it if it still exists.