Warbird Information Exchange

OK, here is something I seriously doubt if anyone will be able to help with, but am reaching out nonetheless...

As of May 19, 1947 a single AT-9A (42-56863) was noted at Penn State University, although the circumstances and use of the aircraft there are unknown. I assume it was being used by the engineering department there for some purpose. Anybody have a clue? It had been surplused from the Rome Air Depot, Rome, NY

I looked through the engineering sections of the 1947 and 1948 Penn State yearbooks online, but there were no photos of aircraft. How long do you think they kept the AT-9?

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All right, Mister Dorfmann, start pullin'!
Pilot: "Flap switch works hard in down position."
Mechanic: "Flap switch checked OK. Pilot needs more P.T." - Flight report, TB-17G 42-102875 (Hobbs AAF)

Interesting historical find on the AT-9. I do know that the USAAF barred the AT-9 from post-war surplus sales as it was deemed too dangerous for civilian usage. There may have been a clause in the Penn State usage that it be: a. Not made airworthy b. Scrapped at the end of engineering school evaluation c. Returned to the USAAF at conclusion of evaluation.

A similar mystery holds true for the sole USN Martin A-30 "donated to a school" in 1949.

JDV
www.fuselagecodes.com

Years and years ago, when I still received the DOD Surplus Sales invitation to bid catalogs, I thought I remember seeing a AT-9 for sale some place back on the east coast somewhere. Does anybody else remember this?

I have seen several times that when a significant person from an Aviation Dept; then some really nice formerly donated aircraft were sold to the person retiring like a SEABEE disassembled but complete for $3500.00

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Well if I can't rollerskate around my playpen while smoking and drinking a beer, I'm staying home..

How long ago would this have been? I don't remember any AT-9s from any of Leon Cleaver's DOD auction list postings (search "longshot" for the threads).

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All right, Mister Dorfmann, start pullin'!
Pilot: "Flap switch works hard in down position."
Mechanic: "Flap switch checked OK. Pilot needs more P.T." - Flight report, TB-17G 42-102875 (Hobbs AAF)

The only information presented in the "Long shot scrap yards 1991" that I found in relation to any AT-9 was the fact that it was put up as remains out of WPAFB and was sold to Deep Run Salvage, Martins Ferry, Ohio from Surplus Sale dated 2 Apr 91. One might speculate that a second AT-9 could have been on hand to make the one on display now whole...

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Be happy to serve your fellowman

AT-9 at Spartan School 1951
They used it for training.