Aircraft History
Built by Vultee A-31-NO Vengence Mark Ia. RAF serial number EZ963.

Mission History
Mission #46: one of 23 Vengence that took off from Nadzab Airfield at 9:00am armed with two 500 pound bombs on a strike against Alexishafen Airfield. The 25 Squadron formation, call sign "canvas" rendezvoused over the Markham and Ramu Rivers at 2,000'. Returning from the mission, this aircraft's engine overheated and it force landed in a kunai grass field near Kiapit at 9:45.

Another aircraft in the squadron took several photos of the aircraft in the grass with both crew members standing on the wing. Later, another aircraft landed and picked them up and returned them to Nadzab Airfield.

Wreckage
Remained in situ. In a 1962 photo in Pacific Aircraft Wrecks shows the same plane burnt by grass fires which ignited center fuel tanks, leaving only the wings, tail and cowl. Reportedly, the remainder of the aircraft was broken up for scrap metal afterwards.

References
Pacific Aircraft Wrecks page 26
ADF Serials - Vengeance A27-83
24 Squadron Diary - February 27, 1944
Thanks to Daniel Leahy for additional information

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Last Updated
November 17, 2012