Ex-TWA CV-880 Preparation / Departure From Mojave (Corrected Format/Unedited)

Ex-Trans World Airlines (TWA) Convair 880 (22-1)
N807AJ (cn 22-00-13) "Phantom"

Ship 13, was purchased by Tool Co, a Howard Hughes company in July 1960. The plane was then leased and delivered to TWA as N810TW, on February 15, 1961.

The aircraft saw service from March 16, 1961 to August 10, 1973. After operating with TWA, the aircraft was placed in storage for a few years. On April 18, 1978 American Jet Industries purchased several 880s, including Ship 13. In June 1985 Charlotte Aerospace purchased all 880s. On September 9, 1991 the FAA purchased Ship 13 and had the plane ferried to Atlantic City , New Jersey, for fire testing. In March 2006 Scroggins Aviation purchased Ship 13, N807AJ from the FAA/GSA. In October 2006 the Maine Coast Airways Museum took the aircraft on loan from Scroggins Aviation. After four months the Maine Coast Airways Museum returned the aircraft due to lack of funds to move and restore the aircraft. Scroggins Aviation sold the aircraft to a scrapping company after all attempts to save the plane failed.

This legend is seen here beginning her journey across the country to Atlantic City, to be used as a Fire Trainer.

Shot in 1991 by my friend Craig Pilkington (Aviation Media ©).

Edited / uploaded by me with the kind permission of Aviation Media ©