Aircraft History
Built by Douglas as an F model. During 1933, one of eight unarmed staff liaison aircraft delivered to the U. S. Army National Guard a an R-1690-9 engine and a fully enclosed canopy. This aircraft was one of the first military aircraft assigned to Alaska, and during October 1940 the first plane to land at Ladd Field.

Mission History
On June 16, 1941 took off from Ladd Field on a mission and suffered an engine failure and made a soft crash landing in the wilderness, seventy miles southeast of Fairbanks. Both crew members we injured in the crash but able to walk.

Fates of the Crew
After the crash, Ashkins and Roberts were dropped supplies and walked to safety.

Wreckage
Remained in situ until June 1968.

Recovery
Recovered by helicopter during June 1968 and remained in remarkable condition despite the 27 years in the wilderness. During the recovery, the salvage team was even able to light their campfires using the aircraft's remaining fuel. The seats were found in the shack of a local frontiersman being used as chairs. He had also taken the tail wheel for use in a wheelbarrow someday. Afterwards, all the wreckage was transported to Dayton, OH.

Restoration
Restored at the USAF Museum. Structural pieces of the wings had to be reverse engineered from original plans and damaged parts. Restored to static condition with the original engine.

Display
Since 1974, displayed at the USAF Museum / Interwar Years Gallery.

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Last Updated
June 29, 2019