June 15 Project Update

(this post is retroactive - original date of publication was june 15, 2026 - things happened very fast in the beginning!)

First of all, thank you to everyone who has commented, shared information, sent messages, dug through old files, and pointed me toward people who know this airplane.

When I made my original post a few days ago, I was hoping to find a few leads.

What has happened since then has been remarkable.

In roughly 72 hours, I have made contact with former owners, former operators, museum professionals, aviation historians, aircraft recovery specialists, and individuals connected to previous preservation efforts involving the aircraft.

Some of the major developments so far:

• A complete copy of the McDonnell 220 Airplane Flight Manual has surfaced.

• Factory assembly photographs from 1958 have been located.

• I have made contact with individuals who actually flew and operated the aircraft.

• I have been informed that the wings demate conventionally at the roots, which significantly improves the transportation outlook.

• I have established contact with individuals connected to the aircraft’s most recent owner and have learned that the manuals, technical publications, and historical records were retained rather than left with the aircraft.

• Several individuals with aircraft recovery, transportation, and museum experience have offered assistance.

• Discussions with preservation-minded organizations are ongoing.

At this point, the project is rapidly transitioning from:

“Can this airplane be saved?”

to

“How do we save it?”

My next priorities are continuing to gather documentation, speaking with the El Paso Airport Authority regarding site access and preservation options, conducting an on-site survey of the aircraft, and developing a preliminary feasibility study.

I have also created a small working group to help organize information and coordinate efforts with people who have direct experience, relevant expertise, or historical connections to the aircraft.

The amount of support and information that has surfaced in such a short time has been incredible. There is still a tremendous amount of work to do, but for the first time in a long time, this project is beginning to feel achievable.

As always, if you have documentation, photographs, technical information, contacts, or personal knowledge related to the McDonnell 220, please reach out.

Every lead helps Save The ’220

I have tried to tag as many people as possible who have helped me with this in this post, but, there have been so many people that I probably missed several. The list of people tagged in this post is in no way comprehensive. As things continue moving forward and organizing, I will make effort efforts to create a comprehensive list so that everyone involved gets proper credit. Thank you all!

I now have a proper email address for this project. Please send all information and resources you may have to info@savethe220.org

Thank you all!