IJN
Aircraft History
4461 was the identity applied to the first Zero restored by Robert
Diemert recovered wreckage. This number is from a component dataplate likely found in the wreckage, not a Mitsubishi or Nakajima manufacture number.
Wartime History
Abandoned at Ballale Airfield or Kahili Airfield.
Wreckage
Remained in situ until 1968.
Recovery
Salvaged by Robert
Diemert, barged to Port Moresby and flown to Canada by RCAF in 1969.
Restoration
This was the first Zero Diemert began restoring. It flew once during the
1970s but crashed in 1973 on a test flight when the landing gear failed.
After rebuilding, parts were incorporated into A6M2 Zero 5450.
References
Thanks to Ryan Toews
for additional information
Control Column Vol 11 No 5 (July 1977) "Mitsubishi Move"
Zero
