Pilot  2nd Lt. Charles H. Chapman, Jr. O-430920 (MIA/KIA)
MIA  May 18, 1942

Aircraft History
This pilot was last seen at approximately 0915 while engaged in the interception of enemy bombers over 7 Mile Drome at Port Moresby. During the combat, an enemy bomber (G4M1 Betty) was shot down in flames. At the same time another aircraft believed to be that piloted by Lt Chapman appeared to explode and disintergrate in mid air. The pilot and aircraft were never found.

Discovery
When a new logging road was opened into the area, the wreck was discovered in 2001 by John Douglas, and wreck tech, Wilkenson Egimbari. There was no trace of the pilot, indicating perhase he bailed out or walked away from the crash site. Neither cockpit door was found at the crash site.

Recovery
The tail section of the wreck, machine guns, control stick and gun site were recovered by Robert Greinert / HARS and was to be exported by him to Australia. While in storage at the PNG Museum, it was containered and exported to Australia by 75 Squadron  instead. Its whereabouts are unknown today.

A representative from US Army CILHI did visit the crash site, but no investigation or search was undertaken.

Justin Taylan adds:
"I visited this site in 2006, although the tail guns were missing, it was still an impressives wreck site."

Contribute Information