The 156 Douglas O-38s made ended a series of biplane observation aircraft begun in the early 1920s. While operating out of Ladd Field near Fairbanks. AK in June 1941, this one crashed due to engine failure at Salcha River. Uninjured, the pilot and his mechanic hiked to safety after supplies were dropped to them. The abandoned aircraft remained in the Alaskan wilderness until recovered in surprisingly good condition some 27 years later using a CH-47 helicopter. It was then flown to the USAFM aboard a C-130, undergoing restoration over the next six years, only the wings needing extensive work

This crashed in 1941 due to engine failure about 70 miles SE of Fairbanks. Uninjured, the crew hiked to safety but the aircraft was abandoned and remained in the Alaskan wilderness until recovery by helicopter in June 1968. The aircraft was recovered in remarkable condition with only the wings requiring extensive restoration. Now on display at the National Museum of the USAF.