Aircraft History
Built by Mitsubishi or Nakajima. Delivered to the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN). Assigned to an unknown Kōkūtai. No known markings or tail number.

Wartime History
This Zero was damaged or abandoned at Ballale Airfield on Ballale Island.

Wreckage
As of 2007, this Zero was a center section only, with a portion of the rear canopy only. A portion of the left wing remains, the right wing is missing. The firewall was half missing.

Salvage
Moved from the island to the beach area by Australian Craig Turner / Solomon National Museum Project in December 2005, where it remained due to a dispute with locals. Turner returned on November 6, 2007 with Gary Spoors / GJD Services Ltd. This aircraft was likely salvaged with other aircraft from the island on November 8, 2007 aboard the barge MV Tina. Transported to Honiara, the aircraft were presumably shipped overseas to New South Wales, Australia. This Zero's whereabouts today are unknown.

References
YouTube: OneNews "Shortland & Ballalae Aircraft Salvage" November 20, 2007
GJD Services - Solomon's via WaybackMachine.org accessed February 25, 2008

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Last Updated
November 9, 2019