The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh event is known around the world as the ultimate celebration of aviation. It brings together hundreds of thousands of aviation enthusiasts, pilots, mechanics, and aircraft from every corner of the globe. The skies above Oshkosh, Wisconsin are filled with vintage warbirds, cutting-edge experimental planes, and everything in between. In 2016, however, one dramatic moment stood out among the many aviation highlights — the nose gear failure of the A-26 Invader known as the “Silver Dragon.”
The A-26 Invader is a World War II-era twin-engine light bomber and ground attack aircraft. Originally built by Douglas Aircraft, it served in multiple wars, from World War II to the Korean War and even into the early years of Vietnam. The “Silver Dragon” is a beautifully restored example of this historic aircraft, maintained by dedicated enthusiasts and often flown at airshows as a flying tribute to aviation history and military service.
On a sunny day during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2016, thousands of spectators gathered to witness the Silver Dragon’s arrival. AirVenture is known for its precision and coordination, as planes land and take off in tight windows with teams of controllers managing operations down to the second. As the Silver Dragon approached the runway, all eyes were on the sleek, polished aluminum warbird as it descended toward Wittman Regional Airport.
The landing initially seemed routine. The A-26 made its approach at a steady speed, engines humming smoothly, and the aircraft aligned cleanly with the runway. However, as the main gear touched down and the nose gear lowered, an unexpected mechanical failure occurred. The nose landing gear, critical for supporting the front weight of the aircraft during rollout, collapsed under the stress of touchdown.
What followed was a heart-stopping moment. The Silver Dragon’s nose slammed onto the tarmac, creating a cascade of sparks and smoke as the aircraft skidded forward. The props on both engines made contact with the runway, likely suffering significant damage. Emergency response teams were on high alert and reacted quickly, rushing to the aircraft as it came to a stop.
Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident. The experienced pilot and crew remained calm and executed emergency procedures effectively. Their professionalism and training helped ensure that the incident did not escalate into a more serious accident. The crowd, though shocked, erupted in applause as word spread that all aboard were safe.
The cause of the nose gear collapse was later attributed to a mechanical failure. Like all vintage aircraft, the A-26 requires constant and meticulous maintenance to remain airworthy. Components such as landing gear assemblies are often original or rebuilt from decades-old parts, which can present challenges despite the best efforts of restoration teams. This incident served as a sobering reminder of the risks involved in operating historic warbirds and the importance of continued investment in their upkeep.
Despite the damage, there was a silver lining to the Silver Dragon’s rough landing. The aircraft community rallied around the restoration group, offering parts, technical expertise, and funding to assist in repairs. The spirit of Oshkosh — one of camaraderie and mutual support — was on full display. Within days of the incident, online forums and aviation networks buzzed with messages of encouragement and support for the aircraft’s recovery.
The Silver Dragon’s story didn’t end on the tarmac. In the months following the incident, restoration efforts began anew. The aircraft was carefully disassembled and transported to a facility where the nose section could be thoroughly inspected and rebuilt. Replacement engines and propellers were sourced, and a new nose gear assembly was fabricated with modern materials and safety enhancements.
By 2018, thanks to countless hours of volunteer work and generous donations, the Silver Dragon took to the skies once more. Its return was a triumphant moment for all who had witnessed its painful landing just two years earlier. The aircraft now proudly wears a small decal near the cockpit — a dragon’s claw gripping a runway — a subtle nod to the challenge it overcame and a symbol of the resilience that defines the aviation restoration community.
The nose gear failure at Oshkosh 2016 remains a powerful reminder of the unpredictability of flight, especially when it comes to aircraft that have outlived their original service lives by decades. Yet it also highlights the extraordinary dedication of those who preserve aviation history, ensuring that future generations can see, hear, and feel the legacy of wartime aviation.
In the end, the Silver Dragon’s dramatic landing became more than just an incident — it became a story of perseverance, community, and the enduring spirit of flight.
