L-5B Sentinel

The L-5B aircraft, serial number 44-17184, has a notable history that spans from its manufacturing at the Vultee factory in Wayne, Michigan, to its service in England during World War II. Accepted by the Army Air Force on December 23, 1944, the aircraft was sent to the 8th Air Force in England via Newark, New Jersey, and New York, arriving in February 1945. It was later diverted to the Army Ground Forces in March 1945, with subsequent transfers to the 9th Air Force for foreign training. In June 1946, the aircraft was again diverted to the Army Ground Forces and was reported abandoned due to enemy action. The final wartime events leading to its return to the United States in 1946 remain unclear, adding to its historical intrigue.

Following the war, serial number 44-17184 continued its service with the Civil Air Patrol in Northern Minnesota, where it played a vital role in search and rescue missions, disaster relief efforts, and homeland security operations. After a period of ownership by a private individual in St. Paul, Minnesota, the aircraft was acquired by the Fagen family in the spring of 2016, ensuring its preservation as a rare surviving example of its kind with a rich wartime and post-war service record. The L-5B was in restoration for eight years at MD Aero Restorations in Smoketown, Pennsylvania under the direction of owner and craftsman, Mark Denest. Mark gave attention to every detail to ensure serial number 44-17184 accurately models the original condition in the 1940s. The L-5B was awarded Reserve Grand Champion at AirVenture 2023, and Mark was awarded the Gold Wrench Award for his restoration craftsmanship.