CAF REDTAIL DESTROYED IN CRASH

Air Classics, Aug 2004 by O'Leary, Michael

Donald Hinz dies in the P-51C

On 29 May, aircraft of the Commemorative Air Force were participating in the Wings of Freedom airshow at Red Wing Regional Airport. Don Hinz, the spark plug behind the restoration of the CAF's NAA P-51C Mustang, was piloting the aircraft when the engine hegan to experience problems. The aircraft crashed in a semi-rural area about a mile west of the airport which is located in Bay City, Wisconsin.

Initial reports indicate Don survived the crash in serious condition and was rushed to Regions Hospital in St. Paul but died the next day. Don "Pappy" Hinz enlisted in the US Navy in 1965 and completed the Navy's Nuclear Power Submarine program. He was assigned to the nuclear reactor facility in Windsor, Connecticut. Don was selected and assigned to attend the University of Colorado where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 1970.

In 1972, Lt. Hinz received his wings and a Masters of Science degree in Aerospace while stationed at Kingsville, Texas. He was then reassigned to Air Wing Two as an advanced jet instructor pilot, training Naval aviators in the TA-4 Skyhawk. Don was assigned to the USS Ranger (CV-61) and cruised through the Pacific and Asia flying Vought A-7Es. He had 140 carrier traps during his tour. Commander Hinz had accumulated more than 5250 flight hours with over 2000 hours in A-4s and A-7Es.

The crash of the P-51C is the third fatal CAF Warbird crash in less than one year.