A6M2 Zero Manufacture Number 8224

IJN
204th Kokutai

Click For Enlargement
Kodan-sha, 2000
Click For Enlargement
John Holder, 2006
Click For Enlargement
Scott Tuason, 2007

Pilot  PO1 Tomiharu Honda
Ditched  December 26, 1943

Aircraft History
Built by Nakajima, estimated date of assembly late August 1942.

Mission History
Ditched near Kimbe.

Wreckage
Discovered by local William Nuli free diving for sea life in January 2000 in 55' of water, approximately 100m off shore. He then reported the find to the Walindi Diving Resort, at Kimbe, which has since been a popular dive site for tourists.

This wreck is nearly completely intact on a sandy bottom. The canopy was open. The propeller was feathered on landing in the water. A small glass panel shattered on the left of the pilot's wind screen. Shattered glass down the left side of the pilot's seat. Possibly caused by a bullet.

The backup ring gun site was recovered from the wreck, and is displayed at Walindi Diving Resort.

References
Thanks to the Walindi Diving Resort, John Holder and George Cummings for additional information and photos.

Contribute Information

 

Tech Info
Zero

SCUBA
55' / 12m

Photos
Photo Archive

 

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