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  P-39Q-6-BE Airacobra Serial Number 42-19991 Nose 26
USAAF
5th AF

PacificWrecks.com
Neville Mines 1973

Aircraft History
Built by Bell in Buffalo, New York. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as P-39Q-5-BE Airacobra serial number 42-19991. One of 148 P-39Q-5-BE Airacobras modified into a P-39Q-6-BE modified for photographic reconnaissance with K-24 and K-25 cameras in the rear fuselage. Disassembled and shipped overseas to the South West Pacific Area (SWPA) and reassembled.

Wartime History
Assigned 5th Air Force (5th AF) to an unknown squadron, possibly a Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (TRS) or Photographic Reconassiane Squadron (PRS). Nose number 26. No known nose art or nickname. This aircrcraft was abandoned at Tadji Airfield.

Wreckage
Until 1974, thiis aircraft remained in situ at Tadji Airfield.

Recovery
During 1974, salvaged by Charles Darby and Monty Armstrong from Tadji during a salvage operation funded by David Tallichet / Yesterday's Air Force. Exported to the United States.

Storage
This Airacobra was placed into storage at Yesterday's Air Force / Military Aircraft Restoration Corporation (MARC) at Chino Airport. Today, it is unclear where this aircraft is stored or located.

References
USAF Serial Number Search Results - P-39Q-5-BE Airacobra 42-19993
"converted to P-39Q-6-BE 42-19991 (36th FS, 8th FG) abandoned at Tadji PNG 1943/44. Recovered in 1974 and reportedly now in storage with Yesterdays Air Force at Chino Airport."
Pacific Aircraft Wrecks pages 43 (upper), 57 (upper)
"Another of the Tadji P-39Q-6s, 41-19991 is now awaiting restoration in California and may one day fly again. Of the 950 P-39Q-5s, 148 were converted to the 'Q-6' ground support configuration. Modifications included provisions of K-24 and K-25 vertical and oblique camera in the rear fuselage, and heavy dural armor plate to protect the oil and glycol radiators from ground fire."
PNG Museum Aircraft Status Card - P-39Q Airacobra 42-19991
Thanks to Charles Darby for additional information

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Last Updated
November 9, 2019

 

Tech Info
P-39
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