Nose Gear Down Lock From B-25J-35-NC SN 44-86893 "Fairfax Ghost"

Archive #62-34517-008

In 1985, GM decided to build a new plant on the Fairfax airport site. The airport officially closed on April 1, 1985. The ceremonial last flight out of the Fairfax Airport was made by "Fairfax Ghost" B-25J-35-NC SN 44-86893. The "Fairfax Ghost" marked the flight with the dropping of a wreath over the airport the afternoon of March 31, 1985. After this ceremonial flight, "Fairfax Ghost" flew back around and prepared for a landing to take on more fuel. As they lowered the gear, they received a warning indicating the nose gear was not locked in the down position. Landing at the airport could have ended in a nose gear failure. Since the airport was closing, this could not be risked. They flew in pattern for several hours cycling the gear trying to get the nose gear to lock. As fuel became an issue, a decision was made to fly the aircraft to her new home at Richards Gebauer Airport. As she came in for a landing, her nose gear held. Investigation into the problem determined wear on this nose gear down lock was the fault. This small metal part activates a sensor in the aircraft when the nose gear is locked in the proper position. The final flight out of Fairfax airport would not be made by the "Fairfax Ghost", but by a Cessna 402 piloted by Hugh A. "Holly" Hollinger at 11:59:59 pm March 31st 1985.

• Artifact Description: Nose Gear Down Lock From B-25J-35-NC SN 44-86893 "Fairfax Ghost"
• B-25 History Project Archive #: 62-34517-008
• Acquired from: Kansas City Warbirds
• Acquisition Date: Original Archive