USAAF
13th AF
550th Night
Fighter Squadron
Richard Leahy 1991
Gene Strine 1991
Justin Taylan 2000
Justin Taylan 2003
Justin Taylan 2005
Pilot 2nd Lt. Logan
Southfield
Radar Lt. Goldstein
Crashed January 10,
1945
Aircraft History
This plane was virtually brand new, accumulating only ten hours of flight prior to crashing. The plane was radar equipped, but did not have its remote controlled top
turret installed. Armed only with the factory issued four
20mm cannons in the belly.
Mission History
Took off from a Hollandia Airfield on a 'training flight'. Minutes after take off, it crashed into Mt. Cyclops at 5,050'. The crew survived the crash, but the aircraft was abandoned.
Two days later, a rescue teams brought the injured crew down the mountain. The plane was abandoned after its top secret radar dish was destroyed.
Wreckage
Remained on Mt. Cyclops. Because of its isolated location, it remained
in excellent condition. In the early 1991, the wreckage was recovered by Gene Strine of Mid
Atlantic Air Museum.
Recovery
Under restoration at Mid
Atlantic Air Museum since recovery. It is estimated by the museum that
65% of the original aircraft will be usable in the plane which will
hopefully fly again.
Relatives
Jill Greenberg (daughter of Southfield)
References
Rescuing
A Widow DVD covers
salvage and restoration
P-61
Photo Archive
Recovery & Restoration
