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| JAAF 4th Air Army |
Aircraft History Built by Mitsubishi at the Oe-machi plant during middle March 1943. At the factory, painted overall gray with a vertical stripe on the rear fuselage forward of the tail and Hinomaru insignia on each side of the rear fuselage and upper and lower sides of each wing. Delivered to the Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) as Type 100 Command Reconnaissance Aircraft / Ki-46-II Dinah manufacture number 2485. Wartime History During 1943, this Dinah was flown on a ferry flight from Japan southward to Lakunai Airfield near Rabaul. Assigned to the 4th Air Army. Tail number 2 and above a rectangle with two lines, the motif of the 4th Air Army. Mission History During January 1944, this Dinah took off with an unknown pilot and observer and force landed near Sag Sag in Western New Britain. During the crash, the right engine tore off from the firewall and came to rest facing backwards with the propeller blades bent. The left engine upper propeller blade was unbent, possibly indicating the engine was not turning when it force landed. During the crash, the nose sustained damage. The fate of the crew is unknown, they likely survived and left the scene of the crash. Wreckage On March 8, 1944 this Dinah was inspected by Technical Air Intelligence Unit (TAIU) and at least eight photographs were taken. It was determined that the plane force landed six weeks to two months earlier 1st to 3rd week in Jan 1944]. Technical Air Intelligence Unit (TAIU) report states: "The entire airplane had been painted light gray, and had been polished keenly. The inside of the fuselage was said to be intact except the radio and a couple instruments had been removed. Internal equipment remaining in the airplane was in excellent condition. Wings and fuselage were in good condition (except for damage visible in photos). Two parachutes were found as was a log book. The log book was forwarded to ATIS. Plane is being salvaged." Richard Dunn adds: "I've never come across the log book mentioned in the report. Someone on the team read some Japanese for this comment was made: "As accurately as could be determined this airplane was being delivered to a Japanese reconnaissance wing when it was discovered. I don't know if this means something in the log suggested this or it was surmise based on the 'new' condition of the a/c, its lack of armament or some other circumstance. Well, there are a few answers but they seem to raise even more interesting questions!" Brian Bennett adds: "It looks like a pitpit swamp. I expect that the engine was torn off on it bellying in and I see that the left hand horizontal stabilizer has gone as well." References Production figures of the Mitsubishi Ki.46 by Jim Long Thanks to Richard Dunn for additional information and analysis Contribute
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