CAPE MAY – If you’re going to break down in a World War II B-17 airplane, Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW) is the place to do it.
The 10-member crew of the 1946 vintage World War II B-17 bomber found themselves with an additional two day layover at NASW after their plane, the Yankee Lady, developed engine trouble. The plane landed at the air station Mon, June 10 for an anticipated three-day long visit.
According to one of the plane’s pilots, Duane Nelson, the massive bomber developed an oil leak in engine No. 1 after its landing from this year’s maiden trip over the county with seven paying passengers aboard.
“We found out we had a little oil leak in the airplane in the nose cone,” said Nelson. He added upon checking, the plane’s crew discovered several bolts in the engine were bad.
Luckily for the bomber and its crew they were able to repair the plane at NASW in a World War II-era hangar.
“You had all the right equipment,” said Nelson. “Thank God it didn’t happen anywhere else.”
Even with the right equipment, its crew and a cadre of volunteers, the repair took more than 14 hours to complete. A part weighing more than 150 lbs. made its way to NASW from Arkansas via truck.
Additionally, a part of NASW will now fly with the Yankee Lady every time she takes off. A rocker arm conical bushing from one of the museum’s acquisitions was used to complete the repair.
“We had a piece that was almost in pristine condition,” said Dick Ryan of North Cape May. “They needed it and we had it. It was lucky for them and lucky for us,” said Ryan, a retired Air Force mechanic and volunteer at NASW. Ryan added the part came from a plane on static display in the museum. “I can replace it with a look-alike,” he said.
A plane breaking down at NASW was a first, said Dr. Joseph Salvatore, Chairman and Executive Director of the air history museum.
“This was the right place to do the repair,” said Salvatore, noting NASW was originally built as an aircraft repair facility during World War II. “We have all the equipment.”
Salvatore added he was looking forward to Yankee Lady’s 2014 visit. “We’re honored that they come,” he said. “We’re looking forward to having them back again next year.”
After her repair, a crowd gathered to watch the Yankee Lady take off. As the shiny fuselage lifted skyward, Salvatore commented, “There goes a happy ending.”
