By The Daily Nightly
By AP staff, Associated Press
TUCSON, Ariz. - The first plane to be designated as Air Force One now sits in a southern Arizona field that's part of Marana Regional Airport.
The aircraft that once spirited President Dwight D. Eisenhower on cross-country voyages is nearly forgotten on a 10-acre parcel, decaying under the relentless glare of the sun.
Efforts to sell the aircraft at auction were unsuccessful and it was parked at the Marana airport in 2005 in a lease agreement.
The aircraft has no hangar to shelter it from the sun's rays, which are gradually breaking down the aircraft.
The Arizona Daily Star says a New Mexico man now owns the plane.
A contractor who serves as the aircraft's caretaker is looking for a museum willing to take it and restore it.
First published July 16 2013, 2:05 PM