IJN
1944 via Bob Rocker
R Worcester 1973
B Fenstermaker 1991
B Fenstermaker 1991
Justin Taylan 2003
Aircraft
History
The manufacture number of this bomber is presumed to be 1208. Built by Mitsubishi at Nagoya during January 1942. First assigned
to the 761st Kokutai with the Tail Number 23.
Wartime
History
The wartime career of this aircraft is unknown, but likely
varied and included many missions. It is possible that towards
the end of its life, the bomber served as a transport plane. When
it force landed at Babo Airfield,
the port engine was not running, and gear retracted when it landed,
severely damaged on landing, and crushing the nose. Both wings
were removed and located near the bomber, possibly after the crash
by the Japanese. Also there was a larger gash in the rear fuselage
that nearly severed the tail section.
Wreckage
This airframe remained abandoned at Babo until 1991.
Recovery
Recovered
by Bruce Fenstermaker in 1991. Inside the wreckage, he found an ink pen from one of the crew members, a gift for a martial arts competition. Containered and shipped to
California for the Santa Monica Museum of Flight. Unsold, the the aircraft
was purchased by The Planes of Fame
Museum.
Display
Today, it is displayed unrestored in a diorama at the Planes
of Fame Museum.
Betty
