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  P-61B-1-NO "Midnight Queen" Serial Number 42-39445  
USAAF
13th AF
550th Night
Fighter Squadron

Click For Enlargement
Richard Leahy 1991
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Gene Strine 1991
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Justin Taylan 2000
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Justin Taylan 2003
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Justin Taylan 2005

Pilot  2nd Lt. Logan Southfield (survived)
Radar  Lt. Goldstein (survived)
Passenger  ? (survived)
Passenger  ? (survived)

Crashed  January 10, 1945

Aircraft History
This plane was virtually brand new, accumulating only ten hours of flight prior to crashing. The plane was radar equipped, but did not have its remote controlled top turret installed. Armed only with the factory issued four 20mm cannons in nose.

Mission History
Took off from Hollandia Airfield on a 'training flight'. Reportedly, a third and forth passenger was aboard. Minutes after take off, it crashed into Mt. Cyclops at 5,050'. The crew survived the crash.

Two days later, a rescue teams brought the injured crew down from the mountain. The aircraft was abandoned after the radar dish was destroyed.

Wreckage
Remained on Mt. Cyclops until early 1991.

Recovery
In the early 1991, the wreckage was recovered by Gene Strine of Mid Atlantic Air Museum and exported to the United States.

Since 1991, this aircraft is under restoration at Mid Atlantic Air Museum . It is estimated by the museum that 65% of the original aircraft will be usable in the restoration, with a goal to return it to flying status.

Relatives
Jill Greenberg (daughter of Southfield)

References
Rescuing A Widow DVD covers salvage and restoration

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009

 

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