The Mystery Airplane

Formed in 1922 in Lincoln, Nebraska, by Ray Page, the Nebraska Aircraft Corporation became Lincoln-Page Aircraft in 1927. Lincoln began by rebuilding surplus Standard J-1 biplane trainers into a more useful and powerful model called the Lincoln Standard. Powered by a variety of engines, including the OX-5 and the 150 hp Hisso, these modifications were popular in the early 1920's.

The Lincoln-Page LP-3 was certified in March 1928 under Approved Type Certificate #28 with a 90 hp Curtiss OX-5. A three-seat open cockpit biplane of the traditional steel tube fuselage with fabric covering, wings of spruce spars and spruce and plywood ribs, also with fabric covering, designed with the help of Victor Roos, the LP-3 was in the same class as the Swallow, Alexander Eaglerock, and early Wacos.

A further version with a 115 hp Axelson A radial was certified under Group 2 Approval #2-217 of May 28, 1930 as the LP-3 Axelson Special. The LP-3A could also be fitted with 150 and 180 hp Hisso engines. Powered by an OX-5, the LP-3 had a loaded weight of 2200 pounds, a maximum speed of 100 mph, and a range of 400 miles on 40 gallons of gas. Juptner, Volume 1, notes that the price was $2250.00, but the buyer had to supply his own engine or buy one separately from Lincoln-Page.

NC5735, in our Oshkosh 2018 photo, was built in May 1928, but wrecked the following year with less than 100 TT. It was stored until 2013 when restoration began. After a 3500 hour restoration by Greg Heckman of Polo, Illinois, it flew again on May 31, 2018. It was tied down in front of the Vintage Red Barn last year and earned the Vintage Antique Grand Champion Award. It is said to be the only OX-5 powered LP-3 flying.