The iconic Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, affectionately known as the Yankee Lady, recently made her final journey across the Western skies of America. Once a proud resident of the Michigan Flight Museum, this storied aircraft is en route to California, where she will be disassembled and restored by Avspecs, a vintage aircraft restoration company based in New Zealand.
Flying at altitudes between 2,000 and 10,000 feet, the Yankee Lady’s flight was closely followed by aviation enthusiasts, particularly as she navigated the plains of Wyoming. Former museum volunteer Matt Korich shared his excitement about tracking the flight: “It was a really cool experience… you can even hear it coming and see it distinctly.” As she climbed higher to cross the mountainous regions, the bomber symbolized a connection to the past for many.
Constructed in July 1945, the Yankee Lady never saw combat. Instead, she served the U.S. Coast Guard for over a decade and later worked as a fire bomber in Arizona. The plane has a notable cinematic history, appearing in the film Tora! Tora! Tora! In 1986, the Michigan Flight Museum acquired and restored her to her World War II configuration, offering flight experiences and participating in airshows.
As she soared through the Wyoming sky, the Yankee Lady also evoked memories of tragedy. In 1943, another B-17 crashed into Bomber Mountain in the Bighorn National Forest, claiming the lives of ten airmen. This site, along with the Cheyenne Modification Center, which equipped 47% of B-17s during the war, connects Wyoming deeply to the history of the Flying Fortress.
The decision to sell the Yankee Lady came after the Michigan Flight Museum faced significant maintenance costs, estimated to be around $5 million for the restoration of another B-17. On October 19, a poignant farewell gathering took place at Willow Run Airport, where a formation flight honored the aircraft’s departure. Korich remarked, There were not a lot of dry eyes in the house,” reflecting the deep emotional ties many had developed with the bomber over the decades.
Though the sale marks the end of an era for the museum, there’s hope for the Yankee Lady’s future. The new owner plans to keep her operational, with extensive restoration efforts to bring her back to pristine condition. As she embarks on this new chapter, the Yankee Lady remains a living tribute to the sacrifices of the Greatest Generation, preserving the legacy of those who fought for freedom during World War II.
The final flight of the Yankee Lady not only represents a nostalgic farewell but also serves as a reminder of the indelible impact of history and the connections we share through our past.