After a series of successful engine runs in recent weeks, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) A-26B Invader Night Mission (s/n 41-39427/N240P) took to the skies yesterday for the first time since 2021. This flight marks a significant milestone following years of dedicated restoration work by the volunteers of the CAF A-26 Invader Squadron, which was established in February 2009 with the mission to return the aircraft to flying condition.
Previously known as Spirit of Waco, the aircraft now wears the Korean War-era livery of the B-26B flown by Captain John S. Walmsley, Jr.—the U.S. Air Force’s only bomber pilot to receive the Medal of Honor during that conflict. The transformation was completed after extensive work, previously reported by Vintage Aviation News (click HERE). The aircraft is currently based at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport in Texas, where it shares hangar space with the Vintage Flying Museum (VFM).
In the spring of 2021, unit leader Steve Swift—who also serves as one of Night Mission’s pilots and is a certified A&P mechanic—assembled a team to perform a precautionary teardown of the aircraft’s left Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine. During the inspection, several issues were identified, prompting the team to send the engine to Anderson Aeromotive in Grangeville, Idaho, for overhaul. Additionally, a damaged structural member was discovered in the left nacelle during engine removal. Ezell Aviation of Breckenridge, Texas, fabricated a replacement part. Swift and fellow A-26 pilot Pat Mahaffey used this downtime as an opportunity to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the aircraft. The result: a meticulously restored Invader, ready to fly once more.
Yesterday, Night Mission lifted off with Steve Swift at the controls, accompanied by Wing Leader Patrick Mahaffey, Flight Engineer, and Pilot Steven Smith. The flight lasted approximately 30 minutes at 3,000ft, and the aircraft performed flawlessly throughout.
