Local Perspective
In 2009, a World Airways DC-10 landed at BWI. It never left. Why?

By John Kelly
Columnist
March 30

I have made many trips to Baltimore-Washington International Marshall Airport to pick up or drop off family and friends. I often take extra time to visit the observation deck in the terminal to take in the always-interesting aviation scene. ... On many of these occasions I noticed what I thought was a large cargo plane sitting on the tarmac. I never thought much of it until realizing on a recent visit that the plane has never moved. So I did what any self-respecting aviation buff (plane spotter, if you prefer) would do, and made an inquiry at the terminal’s information desk.

Apparently this World Airways DC-10 touched down extremely hard at the airport many years ago, in the process greatly damaging the landing gear. The airline decided not to repair the plane and it has been there ever since! ... I think it would make interesting material for a column.

— John Sery, Silver Spring
....

As for the plane, the aborted first landing had buckled and fractured a portion of its forward pressure bulkhead. There was also extensive cracking in the skin of the forward fuselage. The airplane would not fly again. ... “We worked with the airline at the time to have it donated for use as a training aid,” said BWI spokesman Jonathan Dean.

The plane sits on the south side of the airport, near Dorsey Road. Its three General Electric jet engines were removed, along with the avionics, but there are still seats inside. ... “The aircraft is a valuable training resource for fire and rescue, law enforcement and security agencies,” Dean said.
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Twitter: @johnkelly

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John Kelly writes John Kelly's Washington, a daily look at Washington's less-famous side. Born in Washington, John started at The Post in 1989 as deputy editor in the Weekend section. Follow https://twitter.com/JohnKelly