The Bell P-59 Airacomet was America's first jet fighter and, as such, was considered top-secret. Initial flight testing of the jet took place at George AB, Ca, by Bell personnel whose distinctive sign (for what reason?) was a black derby hat. Despite the shroud of secrecy and restricted airspace around George AFB, US Army pilots from a nearby field often came flying in, trying to get a glimpse at what was going on.
During a test flight, Bell test pilot Jack Woolams spotted one of the intruders approaching his aircraft. He had been waiting for this moment. He bent down and pulled out a rubber gorilla mask he had taken along. Putting it on, he then put his derby hat, lit a huge cigar and let the P-38 intruder catch up with him. As the Army pilot pulled alongside, Woolams looked at the stunned Army pilot who quickly broke off and disappeared.
There was no Army feedback on the encounter, but Bell employees had a great time talking about the pilot who'd intercepted a propellerless airplane flown by a cigar-smoking gorilla wearing a derby hat!
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