After more than 30 years of operation, the Cavanaugh Flight Museum bid farewell to its long-standing home at Addison Airport, TX, officially ceasing public access on December 31st, 2023. Founded in 1993 by businessman Jim Cavanaugh, the museum’s closure comes amid reported conflicts with authorities at its base, although specific details were not disclosed in the announcement.
Today, amidst the backdrop of the museum’s transition, I witnessed the meticulous relocation process of a prized artifact: the Spanish-built CASA 2.111 aircraft. With a looming deadline of May 31st, the museum is racing against time to transfer its extensive collection of historic aircraft, parts inventory, tools, equipment, and artifacts to storage facilities in Sherman, Texas. Notably, the undertaking involves disassembling aircraft for transportation, with airworthy planes already making their departures.
The delicate operation to move the museum’s rare CASA 2.111 commenced with the careful detachment of its wings, tail, horizontals, and engines, leaving behind a 53-foot-long fuselage. Positioned for transport, the fuselage was towed to a more accessible location at the airport, facilitating the deployment of a heavy lift crane. As the crane hoisted the fuselage, meticulous steps were taken to alleviate weight, including the removal of main wheels, reducing the lift load by 600 pounds. A precise weight measurement indicated the fuselage’s lift weight at 8500 pounds, underscoring the complexity of the relocation effort.
The logistical intricacies extend to the transportation route, with the 24-foot-wide load embarking on a journey to Sherman via backroads, spanning a mere 60 miles but anticipated to consume the afternoon hours.
Delving into the storied history of the CASA 2.111, originally designated s/n 155 and commissioned by the Spanish Air Force as B2-H-155 in 1950, the aircraft underwent several transformations, including retrofitting with Merlin engines and configuration for photographic and map-making purposes. Noteworthy cinematic appearances followed, with the aircraft adorned in WWII Luftwaffe livery for the film “Battle of Britain.” Transitioning through various operational roles within the Spanish Air Force, the aircraft ultimately found its way into surplus status, marking the end of its active service.
Subsequent to its transatlantic journey in 1977 and adoption of a new identity as N99230, the CASA found itself under the ownership of American enthusiast Dolph Overton, adorned in a color scheme reminiscent of the German WWII Luftwaffe’s Kampfgeschwader 51 “Edelweiss.” Following stints with the Confederate Air Force and Combat Air Museum, the aircraft eventually became a prized addition to the Cavanaugh Flight Museum’s collection in 1995, culminating in its final delivery flight to Addison Airport.
Today’s relocation efforts marked a poignant moment as the fuselage of the CASA 2.111 took to the skies once more after 29 years, albeit under unconventional circumstances. As the museum navigates this transitional phase, details regarding the future of its esteemed collection remain undisclosed, leaving enthusiasts and stakeholders eager for updates on the fate of these historic artifacts.
