USAAF
5th
AF
8th FG
36th FS
Pilot Lt. Robert Love (KIA)
Force
landed May
1, 1942
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. Lt. Faletta and his wingman, Lt. Harvey chose a landing spot near the Escape River on the Cape York Penninsula, near Weipa. Both managed to land their aircraft with the wheels up and survived.
The other four Airacobras attempted to force land on the beach. Lt. Love cartwhelled on landing, killing him.
Wreckage
Wreckage remains on the beach, near P-39F 41-7216.
Richard Rudd adds:
"The Love machine, thats the one we have to go back to this year to get to the data plate. His serial and tail number are not confirmed or known."
References
Thanks to Richard Rudd for additional information
P-39
