Back in the 1950s a twin engine transport CV240 / Martin 404 was about to land at Patrick Henry airport in Virginia. They asked to have the lights turned on and as requested they were turned on but not at Patrick Henry. The lights were at an army field a few miles away. This field was set up for L-19 and Beavers and some Army light twins. The runway was made of PSP (Pierced Steel Planking) and was not long enough for a large aircraft. The pilot landed and did not discover this fact until he overran the runway and got stuck in the mud. The passengers were off-loaded, as was their baggage. The aircraft was towed back to the PSP and was systematically stripped of all of the seats and internal fittings. The Army engineers got some expedited experience in laying down some extra PSP to accommodate the extended takeoff requirements. After a very stringent inspection of the Aircraft the FAA authorized a one-time flight to Patrick Henry airport.
