1930 Stinson SM-8A Detroiter

Our beautiful Stinson SM-8A was restored from the ground up in 1983. It is the last surviving SM-8A out of a large fleet that Portland Airways once owned and operated.

It was sold in 1933 to John W. Hackbarth of Santa Paula, California. It was used for aerial photography for 35 years under contracts to Coast & Geodetic Survey, and the California Soil Conservation District. This airplane's sister ship, which was also sold to Mr. Hackbarth, was later lost in a brush fire incident in California.

Our museum director, Jerry Thuotte, purchased the airplane in 1975 and began the ground up restoration which he finished in 1983. It has flown continuously since, and is always very popular with the crowds. It is the recipient of numerous awards, including, Grand Champion at Watsonville and  Grand Champion at Evergreen.

Specifications:

Manufactured:            April 1930

Wing Span:                     42'

Empty Weight             2250 lbs

Gross Weight             3195 lbs

Horse Power                 225

Engine                         Lycoming R-680       

Cruise Speed                 105 mph