LOCAL NEWS

Historic WWII plane grounded in Utah finally ready to fly again

Aug 18, 2022, 6:39 PM | Updated: 11:01 pm

OGDEN, Utah — A World War II-era plane could fly home very soon after it was stranded in Utah for the last seven weeks.

The plane made an emergency landing on Willard Bay in June.

A mechanical failure forced the pilots to put it down in the water. It needed desperate repairs.

Now seven weeks later, the repairs are done and crew members are prepared to get back home to Oregon.

Repairs took so long because parts are no longer made for World War II warbirds.

Crew members usually fabricate the parts they need. This repair was a much bigger job than most.

When your life revolves around an 80-year-old plane, you need to be ready for unexpected setbacks.

When the plane went down, a failing landing gear poked a hole through one of its doors.

For seven weeks, crew members took turns working during a Utah heatwave.

“It takes a lot of time and a lot of money,” said Coy Pfaff, director of the Soaring by the Sea Foundation. “So it was built in 1943 up in Canada and it served with the 162nd squadron. The aircraft served with the Brits, Canadians, Americans, I think even sent some to the Russians during the war, so they served all over.”

The Prices of the Seas needed repairs after it landed in the water at Willard Bay in June. (KSL TV) Coy Pfaff, director of the Soaring By the Sea Foundation (KSL TV) A failed landing gear poked a hole through one of the plane's doors.  (KSL TV)

Pfaff said it’s important to show people what these machines did and how those who served sacrificed.

“So you have different WWII veterans that have signed it,” Pfaff said.

He added being able to show this PBY-5A to veterans that once flew in one and take them in the air has been huge.

“I like living museums which is what this is. If it sits there in a building and never moves, it almost feels dead,” he said.

The Princess of the Stars could soon be in the air again.

It’s how this once active-duty Marine gives back – showing it off, not only to veterans but to the younger generations.

Pfaff said, “It really keeps history alive, keeps the memory alive of what the machines and the men did back then.”

Somewhere between all the traveling and the surprise repairs is what makes all of this worthwhile, making sure people don’t forget what we fought so hard for during World War II.

“So it doesn’t happen again. Hopefully, we can learn from it,” he said.

The Princess of the Stars will eventually be grounded and put on a permanent display.

The foundation also has a PB2 and a Sky Raider which do not fly.

Donations fund the Soaring by the Sea Foundation. You can contribute here.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Matt Gephardt working with Bona Rose on the CarChex documents....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt: West Valley woman says her extended car warranty claim was denied unfairly

Many drivers buy an extended auto warranty to cover unexpected repair bills. But when a West Valley City woman turned to her warranty provider for major help on her car's transmission, they turned her down - repeatedly.

10 hours ago

Moments before a Salt Lake City woman is hit by a white car in the Avenues....

Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio, Garna Mejia and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Doorbell camera captures another hit-and-run in Salt Lake City

New doorbell camera shows bystanders rushing to save a woman who may be another victim of an alleged serial hit-and-runner.

11 hours ago

A view of the West Temple and 200 South intersection in Salt Lake City....

Michael Houck

A major downtown Salt Lake City intersection will close from April to May

Starting April 1, the West Temple and 200 South intersection will be closed as crews replace natural gas lines.

12 hours ago

Researchers gathered in a Weber State University room for a Air Quality Summit....

Mike Anderson

Air Quality Summit puts focus on Utah air pollution and solutions

Many of the researchers who study Utah's air pollution problems are sharing what they've found while working to find solutions during Thursday's Air Quality Summit.

13 hours ago

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

14 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

15 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Historic WWII plane grounded in Utah finally ready to fly again