USAAF
5th AF
8th FG
80th FS

Pilot  Lt. Yundt
Force landed  May 1, 1942

Aircraft History
Richard Rudd adds:
"Lt Yundt's P-39, nearby had constuctors No 15-555 if I remember correctly. Ian Wright has that data plate."

Wartime History
One of six P-39s that took off from Antill Plains near Townsville for Port Moresby. After refuelling at Cooktown Airfield, they ran into a heavy storm near Horn Island, where they were to refuel again. As four of the pilots were inexperienced in instrument flying, Lieutenant Charles Falletta decided to lead the group  towards the mainland to find a suitable place to land. Charles Faletta, the flight leader, in P-39F 41-6951 decided to head back to land to find a suitable place to land.

Lt. Faletta and his wingman, Lt. Harvey chose a landing spot near the Escape River on the Cape York Penninsula, near Weipa. The other four Airacobras force landed on the beach, including this aircraft.

Wreckage
Wreckage remains on the beach, near P-39 piloted by Love.

References
Thanks to Richard Rudd for additional information.

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P-39