VIETNAM-ERA JET AT HENDERSON PARK DAMAGED BY PLAYING CHILDREN

  

A historic fighter jet at Henderson Park suffered minor damage last week by a group of children playing on it.

Brenham police said the incident, which occurred early Wednesday afternoon, was not believed to be intentional. According to Captain Lloyd Powell, surveillance video shows four youths were playing on a part of the jet when it came loose.

Capt. Powell said the damage done was not serious, but the department is continuing its investigation to find who was responsible.

Washington County Veterans Association (WCVA) President Ben Seeker said the damage was done to the horizontal stabilizer, at the tail section of the plane. He said the plane has already been repaired, with workers coming out Friday afternoon to put bolts in and strengthen that portion of the plane.

Seeker stressed that children should not be playing on the plane.

 

The Vietnam-era fighter jet arrived in Brenham from Nevada in 2017, and was fully restored last year by the WCVA. The group used donations to transport, restore, and display the jet at Henderson Park.

The plane, which was dedicated last Veterans Day, is believed to be the last intact F-111, as the others are either being used for displays in other places, or have been scrapped.

While there is lighting and a security camera monitoring the area, the plane is not enclosed with fencing. Seeker said this is to provide a better experience for viewers.