This aircraft made some unwanted news when an inspection conducted on 14 December 2012 revealed that it contained about 200 gallons of fuel. The museum temporarily closed surrounding galleries in order to expedite the defueling of the aircraft. The Skyraider had been on floor display since April 1968. Wright-Patterson’s former 4950th Test Wing had incorrectly certified that the Skyraider was purged of fuel some 44 years ago.
Douglas A-1E
Skyraider
The Skyraider first flew on 18 March 1945 and 3,180 were delivered to the Navy. Many were used during the Korean War. In 1963, the USAF modified the Skyraider for service in Vietnam and redesignated it the A-1E.