NORTH AMERICAN
P-51D MUSTANG
NOOKIE BOOKY IV
THE FLYING BULLS
A remarkable survivor with a history. Today, Nooky Booky IV preserves the distinctive markings of a famous 357th Fighter Group Mustang.
PRESERVING THE LEGACY OF THE 357TH FIGHTER GROUP
Built in 1944, this P-51D has enjoyed a remarkable post-war history, including Royal Canadian Air Force service and ownership by legendary test pilot Bob Hoover.
After years in civilian aviation and an extensive rebuild, the Mustang emerged as Nooky Booky IV, carrying the markings of Major Leonard “Kit” Carson’s famous 357th Fighter Group aircraft.
Today, operated by The Flying Bulls from Salzburg, it continues to preserve the legacy of one of the USAAF’s most celebrated fighter groups.
✈ AIRCRAFT FACTS
AIRCRAFT
STATUS
LOCATION
OWNER
ROLE
BUILT
Airworthy
Salzburg Airport, Austria
The Flying Bulls
Fighter
1945
DIMENSIONS
LENGTH
WINGSPAN
32 ft 3 in (9.83 m)
37 ft 0 in (11.28 m)
PERFORMANCE
ENGINE
MAXIMUM SPEED
RANGE
ARMAMENT
Packard V-1650 Merlin
437 mph (703 km/h)
Approximately 1,000 miles (1,610 km)
6 × .50 cal (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine guns
Built at Inglewood
44-74427 was built by North American at Inglewood, California, in 1944 as a P-51D-30-NA Mustang. Rather than entering combat with the USAAF, the aircraft was later transferred to Canada, where it became RCAF Mustang IV 9592.
The Mustang served with the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1950 until its retirement in 1959, including service with No. 403 and No. 442 Squadrons. It was subsequently sold into civilian ownership in the United States, beginning a remarkable second chapter in its history.
From Bob Hoover to Nooky Booky IV
Registered N2251D, the Mustang was flown by legendary test pilot Bob Hoover before suffering a series of accidents that led to an extensive rebuild. After returning to the air, it passed through several owners and identities before becoming Nooky Booky IV, adopting the markings of Major Leonard “Kit” Carson’s famous 357th Fighter Group Mustang.
The aircraft later became part of the European warbird scene before being acquired by The Flying Bulls in 2021. Today, based at Salzburg, it continues to fly in the distinctive markings that preserve the legacy of the 357th Fighter Group.
A LASTING LEGACY
From RCAF service and civilian aviation to its life as Nooky Booky IV, this Mustang has survived an extraordinary journey spanning more than seven decades.
Today, it continues to fly with The Flying Bulls, preserving the legacy of the 357th Fighter Group for a new generation.
