Beck-Mahoney "Sorceress"

National Air and Space Museum

Object Details

Manufacturer
Lee Mahoney
S. C. Mahoney
Summary
Designed and built by Lee Mahoney and his father, S. C. "Mickey" Mahoney, the Sorceress was the first sport biplane to exceed 322 kilometers (200 miles) per hour on a closed course, and it reached 394 kilometers (245 miles) per hour in level flight. The aircraft proved so successful that the rules governing its competition qualification were modified to such an extent that the Sorceress was forced into retirement.
Fitted with only a single 135-horsepower Lycoming O-290-D2 engine, this unique metal staggerwing biplane flew to many victories during its distinguished career in the 1970s. Noted air racing pilot Don Beck purchased the Sorceress in 1972 and flew it to many more wins. Beck gave the aircraft to the Museum in 1984.
Long Description
Designed and built by Lee Mahoney and his father, S. C. "Mickey" Mahoney, the Sorceress was the first sport biplane to exceed 322 kilometers (200 miles) per hour on a closed course, and it reached 394 kilometers (245 miles) per hour in level flight. The aircraft proved so successful that the rules governing its competition qualification were modified to such an extent that the Sorceress was forced into retirement.
Fitted with only a single 135-horsepower Lycoming O-290-D2 engine, this unique metal staggerwing biplane flew to many victories during its distinguished career in the 1970s. Noted air racing pilot Don Beck purchased the Sorceress in 1972 and flew it to many more wins. Beck gave the aircraft to the Museum in 1984.
Credit Line
Gift of Donald O. Beck
Circa 1970s
Inventory Number
A19840416000
Restrictions & Rights
CC0
Type
CRAFT-Aircraft
Dimensions
Wingspan: 4.9 m (16 ft)
Length: 5.2 m (17 ft)
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Weight, empty: 318 kg (700 lb)
Top speed: 394 km/h (245 mph)
Engine: Lycoming O-290-D2, air-cooled, 135 hp
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Location
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA
Exhibit Station
Aerobatic Flight
National Air and Space Museum
Record ID
nasm_A19840416000
Metadata Usage (text)
CC0
GUID (Link to Original Record)
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv9b988df9a-5e61-4823-85a7-dfa12d4e455e
Side view of a silver plane with curved angular wings and a cockpit sitting close to the tail of the plane. There are two other wings that attach to the curved wings. Don Beck's Sorceress is written on the tail in blue and black, 80 is written in black close to the tail, an American flag and a blue patch reading DBR are on the side, and Lake Tahoe in blue and black is on the nose of the plane.
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View manifest View in Mirador Viewer
Side view of a silver plane with curved angular wings and a cockpit sitting close to the tail of the plane. There are two other wings that attach to the curved wings. Don Beck's Sorceress is written on the tail in blue and black, 80 is written in black close to the tail, an American flag and a blue patch reading DBR are on the side, and Lake Tahoe in blue and black is on the nose of the plane.
Side view of a silver plane with curved angular wings and a cockpit sitting close to the tail of the plane. There are two other wings that attach to the curved wings. Don Beck's Sorceress is written on the tail in blue and black, 80 is written in black close to the tail, an American flag and a blue patch reading DBR are on the side, and Lake Tahoe in blue and black is on the nose of the plane.
Close up of the front of the plane. There are multiple rivets holding the pieces of the plane together, even on the nose.
Front angled view of a silver plane with curved angular wings and a cockpit sitting close to the tail of the plane. The second set of wings angles over the landing gears, while the first set stays straight and does not curve.
Close up of the nose of a silver plane with curved angular wings and a cockpit sitting close to the tail of the plane. There is a rectangular hole near the propeller, and the plane's body juts out in an arc under the nose, tapering off into a circular hole.
Side view of a silver plane with curved angular wings and a cockpit sitting close to the tail of the plane. There are two other wings that attach to the curved wings. Don Beck's Sorceress is written on the tail in blue and black, 80 is written in black close to the tail, an American flag and a blue patch reading DBR are on the side, and Lake Tahoe in blue and black is on the nose of the plane.