Dates

Event

Constructed as an A-10A.

24 October 1979

First flight.

28 October 1979

Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Air Force with s/n 78-0657.

By 1980

To 357th TFS, 355th TFW, Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ.
Markings added: DM
Yellow fin cap with lightning bolt.

August 1980

Photographer: John Winter via Fargo Air Museum

August 1980

Photographer: John Winter via Fargo Air Museum

By October 1998

Transferred to 354th FS, 355th FW, Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ.
Operated with markings: DM
Blue tail stripe.

21 June 2000

Transferred to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center (AMARC) with inventory number AC0218.

29 August 2000

Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Air Force with s/n 78-0657.
Returned to service.

22 October 2002

Transferred to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center (AMARC) with inventory number 78-0657.
Returned to service at an unknown date.

From Circa 2005 to Circa 2006

Converted to an A-10C.

By 2017

Transferred to 66th WPS, 57th FW, Nellis AFB, NV.
Operated with markings: WA

6 September 2017

Destroyed in a crash.
Mid-air collision with A-10C 79-0204 over Range 65C on the Nevada Test and Training Range, 55mi NW of Nellis AFB, NV; The pilots were flying a close air support training mission at night as part of a Weapons Instructor Course qualification for one of the pilots (in 79-0204), with the second flying as the instructor (in 78-0657). During the flight, the student pilot climbed above the assigned altitude block during a series of commands, did not hear an audible notification that signalled the altitude climb, and therefore did not radio to the instructor to deconflict, This caused the student pilots aircraft to fly into altitude designated for the instructor, who did not have line of sight on the other A-10. The two aircraft collided rendering both uncontrollable. Both pilots ejected successfully with minor injuries.