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| JAAF ? Hiko Sentai |
Aircraft History Built by Nakajima during July 1943. Uncoded serial number 653. Delivered to the Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) as Type 1 Fighter, Model II / Ki-43-II Hayabusa (Oscar) manufacture number 5683. Painted with mottled green upper surfaces and unpainted lower surfaces. The fuselage Hinomaru had a white circular outline. Wartime History Assigned to an unknown Hiko Sentai (Flying Regiment). Likely this aircraft was assigned to the 63rd Hiko Sentai or possibly the 59th Hiko Sentai or 248th Hiko Sentai. Mission History During late January 1944 force landed intact on Long Island. The fate of the pilot is unknown. Richard Dunn adds: "The only Type 1 fighter units active at that time were 59th Sentai, 63rd Sentai and 248th Sentai arriving in November 1943. I have a pretty good sample of serial numbers from their aircraft and with only a couple exceptions they are higher than 5653, most 5900 or higher. Although the sample is smaller the same is true for 63 arriving in January 1944 whose numbers are generally 5900 or higher. It is a good bet 5653 was from the 59th Sentai. Also, there was a big combat north of of Saidor on January 16, 1944 and Long Island is less than 40 mi northwest of Saidor. The big loser in that combat was 63 FR. The 248th only had about four aircraft operational at that time and was operating under tactical command of the 59th Sentai." Wreckage On January 27, 1944 this Oscar was examined by Allied Technical Intelligence Unit (ATIU). The right wing tip had torn off in the crash. The engine had broken in half at the blower section. Manufacture number 5653 was found stenciled in several places and dataplates. The investigators estimated the plane crashed five days earlier on January 22, 1944. Richard Dunn adds from the ATIU report: "The serial number 5653 was stenciled in several places. Only combat damage noted one bullet strike through the right barrel cover that nicked the barrel and then severed the oil line. Only change from standard Oscar was what appeared to be clipped and "very slightly rounded" wingtips although one wing tip was ripped off and exact measurements could not be taken. Other markings said to be shown in sketch and photos accompanying report (which I don't have). Ammo was APT [Armor Piercing Tracer] and HE [High Explosive]. Instrument panel and radio were in good condition. To be salvaged. Pilot apparently survived unhurt. His parachute pack was found nearby with silk canopy removed. Suggests it was taken to provide shelter." References Production Record for the Type 1 Fighter (Ki-43) (Oscar) by Jim Long ATIS Report OSCAR Mk. 2 No. 5653 27 January, 1944 Thanks to Richard Dunn for additional information Contribute
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