Aircraft History
This aircraft had participated in 23 missions between 11 June and September 17, 1943, the date it was lost, flying a total of 39 flights.

Wartime History
Departed 7-Mile Drome for a practice bombing mission at Rorona Bombing Range, near Rogers Drome (30 Mile). The cause of the crash was unknown, the entire crew was killed.

Wreckage
The wreckage of the aircraft remained until at least the early 1970s.

Charles Darby adds:
"The aircraft was certainly near Rogers, but further inland --- just how far I don't know. Bill Chapman told me about the aircraft and told me who would know where it was, and we drove out and found it, but we did not go to Rogers [Drome] on that day so I don't know the relationship of the crash site and the airfield."

Recovery
The four 50 caliber machine guns from the nose were recovered in 1974 for the PNG War Museum. It is unclear if they are still in the collection or on display.

References
Pacific Aircraft Wrecks page 33 (lower right)

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009