Mike Luchessi: Case #59 looks like Mike Coutches very rare P-51H. I don't believe it has a name, but I think I see the standing yellow horse (similar to the 55th FG) on the tail, which would be a dead giveaway.


Chad Veich: Gotta be Mike Coutches P-51H, I'm guessing at one of the Madera warbird gatherings but only because that is the only place I remember Mike bringing the bird out to.


William Yoak: This is without a doubt, the H-model which is still owned an operated by Mike Coutches of Hayward,CA. It was operated by NACA as either NACA 129 or 130. It was in storage until it was acquired by Coutches in about 1966.Coutches entered this aircraft in the 1970 California 1000 Air Races at Mojave only, where he finished in 19th place out of twenty one or twenty two aircraft that participated. I spoke with Mike's son- Steve, at the Santa Maria Warbird Roundup in 1998.He was there in their D-model (Former NACA 128). He mentioned that the aircraft is only operated on certain occasions,such as air shows due to its rarity.


Leo Smiley: Who is easy, Mike Coutches N551H #44-64314. When I would guess mid-late 70's by John Paul's "Sneak Attack" P-40 in the background, but place? Maybe Hayward or Oakland? ... wellllllllll. How about Madera? Just guessing at this point, only been there once! ... Big goof, Madera was'nt until later. Try Fresno.


Yes Leo! It took a few tries, but the Gathering of Warbirds started at Chandler in Fresno, CA and later moved to Madera.
MM.com