"First Air Force One plane decaying in Arizona field
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By AP staff, Associated Press

TUCSON, Ariz. - The first plane to be designated as Air Force One now sits in a southern Arizona field that's part of Marana Regional Airport.

The aircraft that once spirited President Dwight D. Eisenhower on cross-country voyages is nearly forgotten on a 10-acre parcel, decaying under the relentless glare of the sun.

Efforts to sell the aircraft at auction were unsuccessful and it was parked at the Marana airport in 2005 in a lease agreement.


The aircraft has no hangar to shelter it from the sun's rays, which are gradually breaking down the aircraft.

The Arizona Daily Star says a New Mexico man now owns the plane.

A contractor who serves as the aircraft's caretaker is looking for a museum willing to take it and restore it."

This news article is currently on MSN...

Your title is misleading. I was going to ask who all was on it and if I could be guaranteed that all passengers would perish.

You know I find that offensive. You are from the US and just publically wished for the President to die in a plane crash? No matter how bad they are he is still the president. Sorry I just think that was very uncalled for!

I never said that. If it was guaranteed that everyone would die, I would save it. You automatically assume that I would prefer a tragedy. That IS offensive.

You were asking who was on it and if you could be guaranteed all would perish...... How else is that to be taken? Maybe worded wrong I suppose. Maybe I would have asked if I was guarenteed all passengers would survive?

Who'll save Air Force One, why, Harrison Ford, of course!

I admit, I don't agree with The President politically. However, that does not mean I would like him to "perish". And, I forgot that any plane carrying The President is "Air Force One" But, I digress. This has gone far enough off topic.

Speaking of which, the plane in question would not be Air Force One. So, the title is somewhat misleading. I think the plane should be restored and donated to a national museum. I would suggest the Smithsonian, but I'm not sure if it would fall under any of their exhibits. As a matter of fact, I can not recall any museum that would fit into. Perhaps one that has a WWII exhibit?

I think they would be able to hold it in the Dulles Smithsonian Hanger. That place is pretty massive. And you are right there, "Air Force One" is just a call sign. never understood why they use that. it wouldn't always be an Air Force plane. I believe and I could very wrong, but any fixed wing he is on would be given "Air Force One" and any Helo would be "Marine One". I thought I heard that somewhere... It would be nice to see that plane preserved though....

Wright Patterson already has an old Air Force One. And they've got room and a budget.

Actually, the AF Museum at W-P has a number of presidential related planes. Here's a link to their exhibits:

http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/exhibits/presidential/index.asp

Unfortunately, as stated on the website, the Presidential and Experimental hangers are currently closed due to the sequestration cuts.