The First N3701G: B-17G 44-85600

[aerovin2]

Most B-17 guys know of B-17G N3701G, the one that flies as Ye Olde Pub and based at Madras, Oregon, with the Erickson Aircraft Collection. That airplane has a long a storied military and civil utilization that ranged from USAF weather research to cargo carrier to fire ant bomber. It's been a warbird since the late 1970s, first as Chuckie, then Madras Maiden, and finally Ye Olde Pub.

What may not be as well known is the first B-17 that flew as N3701G for a few weeks in early 1960 before it (most likely) suffered a takeoff accident on Andros Island and subsequently pretty much disappeared. A bit of a mystery has long surrounded that B-17 and why the replacement N3701G entered shortly afterwards.

I just posted a story on that B-17G, 44-85600, on Aero Vintage that can be found here: https://www.aerovintage.com/2022/12/07/ ... -triangle/ I can't really provide any answers the mystery, but details are provided and perhaps someone can shed some light on the episode.