Historic Lady Liberty Bomber Finds New Tulsa Home

Historic Lady Liberty Bomber Finds New Home After Permanent Grounding

A beloved piece of Oklahoma aviation history is preparing for a new chapter as the historic Lady Liberty bomber leaves northwest Oklahoma for a permanent museum display in Tulsa.

The World War II-era Douglas A-26 Invader, known as Lady Liberty, has served as the flagship aircraft for the Commemorative Air Force Lady Liberty Squadron in Enid since 2012.

However, following a serious landing gear accident last year, the aircraft will no longer fly.

Instead, the historic warbird will be preserved as a static exhibit, allowing future generations to continue learning about its military history and Oklahoma's role in aviation.

The move marks the end of Lady Liberty's flying career but ensures the aircraft's educational mission will continue.

Lady Liberty Bomber Retired After Runway Accident

The decision to retire the Lady Liberty bomber follows an accident that occurred on November 1, 2025, at Ponca City Regional Airport.

According to squadron officials, the aircraft suffered a nose-gear failure during an aborted takeoff.

The malfunction caused the aircraft to collapse and sustain significant damage during the runway incident.

Following extensive evaluations, aviation experts determined that restoring the bomber to flight status would be prohibitively expensive and potentially unsafe.

As a result, members of the Commemorative Air Force made the difficult decision to permanently ground the aircraft.

Rather than allowing the historic airplane to deteriorate, preservation groups began searching for a long-term location where the aircraft could continue serving as an educational exhibit.

Lady Liberty Bomber Heading To Tulsa Air And Space Museum

The Lady Liberty bomber will soon be transported to the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, where it will become part of the museum's permanent collection.

According to the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, the aircraft's relocation represents a unique connection to Tulsa's World War II aviation history.

During the war, the historic Douglas Aircraft Plant in Tulsa produced 205 A-26 Invader bombers, the same aircraft type as Lady Liberty.

Museum officials describe the move as a full-circle moment that reconnects the aircraft with the city that helped build many of its wartime counterparts.

To support the transition, the museum has launched the Lady Liberty Heritage Squadron Initiative, which will help fund:

• Aircraft transportation

• Cosmetic restoration

• Preservation efforts

• Long-term display preparation

The goal is to ensure the aircraft remains accessible to the public for decades to come.

Historic Aircraft Will Continue Educational Mission

Because the Lady Liberty bomber is currently disassembled at Ponca City Regional Airport, transportation crews will move the aircraft to Tulsa using flatbed trucks.

Once it arrives, specialists will carefully reassemble the airplane for public exhibition.

According to the Commemorative Air Force, the organization remains committed to preserving historic military aircraft and educating the public about the service of America's veterans.

The Douglas A-26 Invader played an important role during World War II and later conflicts, earning a reputation as one of the most versatile attack aircraft of its era.

According to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the A-26 became one of the most successful twin-engine bombers ever produced.

Although the Lady Liberty bomber will never fly again, Oklahoma aviation enthusiasts will soon be able to view the historic aircraft indoors at its new permanent home in Tulsa, where its legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

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