Fort Worth Aviation Museum faces costly repairs after devastating hailstorm

The Fort Worth Aviation Museum, often called a hidden gem in the city, has suffered significant damage after a severe hailstorm. Large hailstones punched holes in the ground and battered the museum’s rare aircraft collection, leaving broken canopies, dents, and splatter marks.

The storm brought hailstones up to two inches wide, creating craters two to three inches deep across the site. Inside the building, the hail knocked out insulation, causing further internal damage. Executives now estimate repairs and stabilisation will cost tens of thousands of pounds.

The museum’s indoor exhibits will stay closed indefinitely, though outdoor aircraft displays may reopen as early as this weekend. Executive director Jim Hodgson has appealed to the community for support in the cleanup and recovery effort. While the Fort Worth museum faces a long road to repair, nearby areas like Runaway Bay suffered even worse destruction. The facility’s mission—to inspire young people in aviation and preserve local aerospace history—remains a priority as staff work to restore access.

Repairs will focus first on stabilising the building and restoring damaged aircraft. The museum’s team is now assessing how quickly exhibits can safely reopen to the public. Community contributions will play a key role in the recovery process.