By James Hannah
The Associated Press

DAYTON, Ohio - A review panel Tuesday recommended the world's oldest and largest military aviation museum increase security because at least 387 artifacts are missing, from NASA and Wright brothers technology to medals and weapons.

The total number of items missing could be larger, but the U.S. Air Force Museum's record-keeping methods made it difficult to determine an exact figure, the panel said.

Retired Lt. Gen. Charles Cunningham Jr., a panel member, acknowledged the problem of trying to trace the number of missing items.

"Some of that is not knowable within the definition of the inventory," Cunningham said. "That is a natural struggle, if not a dilemma."

He said the panel could not determine if the items were lost, stolen or simply cannot be accounted for. However, the panel said some items that appear to be missing are merely documentation errors.

"Losing items from museums is a part of the museum business," Cunningham said. "It's risk that can't be avoided. But we constantly have to manage that risk."

Eleven items missing were considered historically significant, including a Gemini V spacecraft telescope sight and the wooden pattern used to cast the engine that enabled Wilbur and Orville Wright to achieve the first powered flight in 1903.

"In the past, through some mismanagement, there have been some very unfortunate losses in the museum," said Clarence Anderegg, who also served on the six-member panel of military officials and civilians.

Anderegg said efforts are under way to find or account for the missing items, but acknowledged that their disappearance might hurt future donations.

"There's some damage repair to be done," he said. "This report will do much towards re-establishing that confidence."