P-40E "Tarheel" Serial Number 41-5509 Tail Number 87

USAAF
5th AF
49th FG
9th FS


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PacificWrecks.com

1942 via Rocker
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John Sluce 1970
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Stan Gajda 1982
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via Aerothentic 1999

 

Pilot  2nd. Lt. George Preddy
Crew Chief
 Sgt. Yates
Crashed
 July 12, 1942

Mission History
During the late afternoon of 12 July 1942 four P-40s took part in a training flight over Manton Reservoir. The pilots were: 2nd. Lt. John Sauber, 2nd. Lt. George Preddy, Lt. Jack Donalson and 2nd Lt. Deems Taylor.  During a simulated dogfight, Sauber's P-40E 41-35943 dove in from a higher altitude on Preddy, but unfortunately he misjudged and collided with Preddy.

Wreckage
Crashed south of Darwin.

Recovery
The RAAF recovered the engine with a helicopter sometime between 1970 - 1982.

Stan Gajda adds:
"I have visited that crash in August 1982 after being given directions on how to find the wreck site by John Sluce who used to live in Darwin."

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