Aircraft History
This aircraft was assigned to Captain Sam Hitchcock, a flight leader in the 44th FS, a pilot at Pearl Harbor during the Decemer 7, 1941 attack. This aircraft was ferried on escort carrier USS Nassau, it was nicknamed "Pee Wee" at the time. Other pilots included Captian Elmer 'Doc' Wheadon.

Mission History
Four P-40's were flying from Bauerfield on Efate on a training mission. They encountered severe weather and force landed in a clearing on Mt. Santop on Erromango in Vanuatu. All the pilots were uninjured from the landing.

Wreckage
During the war, American forces cleared a path to the wrecks and stripped them for parts. Over the years, more parts were removed, including the fuselage star, cut out of the side fuselage.

Restoration
The airframe was recovered in 1989 by Robert Greinert and Ian Whitney, and taken to Australia, in addition to P-40F 41-14205 which also force landed that same day.

Restoration
The aircraft is owned by Australian Judy Pay with civilian registration VH-HWK. The fuselage, tail and engine and wings were restored at Pioneer Aero Restoration to museum static display.

Display
Displayed at The Old Aeroplane Company in Tyabb, Victoria Australia

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Last Updated
October 1, 2009

P-40

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