SAAF Korean F51 D Mustang of the SAAF Museum.

The SAAF used the Mustang from 24 September 1944 when P51 B/C Mustang IIIs replaced Kittyhawks in 5 Sqdn, during the Italian campaign. P51 K Mustang IVa's, plus a few Mustang IV's were introduced later. It was extensively used until October 1945. 2 Sqdn again used Mustangs, re-designed F51D's in the Korean conflict from 1950 to 1952. When the Sabre entered service in 1952, the Mustang's career in the SAAF was over. One of the main goals of the SAAF Museum is to acquire flying examples of important aircraft flown by the SAAF during its 80 year (in 2000) history. In 1986 all the ex-Dominican F51D's went to Florida in the USA for sale.

F51D of the SAAF Museum.

FAD 1917 arrived in Cape Town on 14 November 1987 and moved to Lanseria. The aircraft had extensive corrosion, but the SAAF's excellent ground crews rectified most of it. The engine was completely re-build by the Museum's technical teams. Despite the difficulty of obtaining spares for the aircraft, the project was completed in September/October 1998. Colour scheme represents no 325, an aircraft used by the SAAF in Korea, which was build-up from three wrecks by the ground crews. A photo still exists that show the name "Patsy Dawn". This refers to the names of the crew chief's two daughters. The pilot was "Tubby" Singleton, who even today, has a photo of 325 in his office.

The first flight was carried out on 13 October 1998 by Col Tony Smit. The aircraft was normally kept at Swartkop, but was not accessible to the general public, due to the historic value of the aircraft. No 325 could only be viewed by special arrangement with the SAAF Museum. For a few months no 325 thrilled the crowds at various airshows around South Africa. In mid 2000 the Mustang was fitted with a second seat behind the pilot. The idea was to offer short flights at a small fee to supplement the sponsorship by Aerosud and Packard Bell computers. Logos of the main sponsors were also fitted to aircraft at the time.

However, on 6 May 2001 after an aerial, display the Mustang developed technical difficulties en route to the base. Despite various attempts the technical problems could not be resolved. As the aircraft was low on fuel, the decision was taken to make a forced landing at AFB Waterkloof. The pilot executed a text book wheels up emergency landing with both the pilot and the passenger without injury. In Korea, due to the scoop at the bottom of the aircraft, emergency landings normally resulted in the aircraft being a total write-off. The scoop catching the ground resulted in the airframe being cracked or split in two. But the damage to no 325 was not as bad as initially feared. In September 2001 the go ahead was received to have the aircraft repaired. Due to lack of funds the repairs have not been completed. It is still based at SAAF Museum Swartkops.