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  PV-1 Ventura Bureau Number 33346  
USN
VB-139

Click For Enlargement
Ralph Wetterhorn 2002
Pilot  V. C. Austin (rescued)
Force Landed  December 30, 1943

Aircraft History
Built by Lockheed in Burbank. Delivered to the U.S. Navy (USN) as PV-1 Ventura bureau number 33346.

Wartime History
Assigned to squadron VB-139. No known nickname or nose art.

Mission History
On December 30, 1943 took off from Attu Airfield on Attu Island piloted by V. C. Austin on a search mission over sector "George 8". Returning low on fuel, this aircraft force landed with the landing gear up near a frozen lake on Agattu Island. The crew suffered minor injuries during the landing.

Rescue
Afterwards, the crew were rescued.

Wreckage
The wreckage of this aircraft remains in situ to this day. The tail section is broken off and left outer wing and engine are broken off.

References
PBS/NOVA Last Flight of Bomber 31 includes aerial footage of this aircraft
The Last Flight of Bomber 31 pages 267 (photo), 295

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Last Updated
December 30, 2022

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