World War II Bomber Arrives in Middle River

Poor weather greatly impacted the 's plans for allowing the public to view and even fly in some vintage World War II aircraft.

Still, there were plenty of people at Martin State Airport Tuesday to witness the landing of a B-24 Diamond Lil in Middle River. The aircraft, flown by the Commemorative Air Force, arrived at the airport around 2:30 p.m. Maryland Aviation Museum executive director Bob Byrnes said the B-24 is one of the last two of its kind still flying.

"Getting to see a piece of history like this doesn't come around too often," Byrnes said. "It's just too bad the weather impacted what the full experience could have been."

Rain and foggy conditions forced the Commemorative Air Force from bringing in its B-29 "Fifi" and P-51 Mustang, which were coming from Lexington, KY. The B-24 was flown in from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, Byrnes said. 

Also, the scheduling changes also forced the cancellation of the museum's plans for allowing the public to purchase a ride on the aircraft.

"The CAF told us they were disappointed at not being able to bring two of its three planes into Baltimore and were looking at the possibility of returning soon, maybe even this summer," Byrnes said.

But, Byrnes said because the B-24 arrived a day later than planned, the Commemorative Air Force decided to stay through Thursday. Those wishing to see the B-24 can come to  to Martin State Airport from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the next two days. It will cost $5 to tour the aircraft, but no rides will be offered during the stay, Byrnes said.

"I know the CAF feels bad about not being able to offer the full experience we had planned," Byrnes said. "Hopefully we can get them back here soon."