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  A6M2 Model 21 Zero Manufacture Number ???? Tail V-174
IJN
Tinian Kōkūtai

Click For Enlargement
IJN c1941
Pilot  Petty Officer 2nd Class Taka-aki Shimohigashi
Force Landed  November 26, 1941

Aircraft History
Built by Mitsubishi. Delivered to the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) as A6M2 Model 21 Zero manufacture number unknown (likely four digits). At the factory, painted overall gray with a black cowling.

Wartime History
Assigned to the Tainan Kōkūtai (Tainan Air Group). Tail code V-174.

Mission History
On November 26, 1941 in the predawn darkness, took off from Tainan Airfield piloted by Petty Officer 2nd Class Taka-aki Shimohigashi on a ferry flight via Hainan Island to refuel then was to continue onward to Saigon. Due to bad weather, two Zeros became separated and lost, this Zero and A6M2 Zero 3372 pilot Flying Petty Officer 1st Class Shimezoh Inoue. Near Qian Shan (Teitsan) on the southeastern coast of Leichou Peninsula on China. Both Zeros force landed on the beach. Inoue landed successfully. This Zero was extensively damaged in the landing.

Fate of the Pilot
The exact fate of the pilots are unknown. Reportedly, they were captured by Chinese forces and never returned.

Wreckage
This more badly damaged Zero was crudely hacked into sections and removed from the beach, along with intact A6M2 Zero 3372. Both were transported inland over several months to Liuchow. Reassembled by Chinese mechanics at Liuchow Airfield. Possibily, parts were used to repair A6M2 Zero 3372.

References
War Prize: The Capture Of The First Japanese Zero Fighter In 1941 by Jim Lansdale December 3, 1999

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Last Updated
August 5, 2022

Tech Info
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