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Aircraft History Built by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation (LAC) in Burbank, California. Constructors Number 222-5348. Originally ordered as P-38E Lightning, but completed as F-4-1-LO Lightning photographic reconnaissance version. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as F-4-1-LO Lightning serial number 41-2130. Disassembled and shipped overseas to Australia and reassembled in Melbourne on September 2, 1942. Wartime History Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 6th Photographic Reconnaissance Group (PRG), 8th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (PRS). Nose number "30" painted in olive drab. During 1943, this Lightning flew combat missions during 1943 operating from 14 Mile Drome near Port Moresby. On December 5, 1943 took off from 14 Mile Drome near Port Moresby piloted by piloted by Lt Danvers on a local familiarization flight with F-4 Lightning 41-2122 pilot F/O Roy L. Kross. While flying low over the sea, Kross apparently lost control and attempted to ditch off Hood Point. Instead, this F-4 Lightning overshot the landing and slid into Hula village and was severely injured. After the crash, this plane radioed Port Moresby and landed at nearby Hood Airfield to help and took off again later that day and returned to 14 Mile Drome. During late 1943, nicknamed "Malaria Mabel" used as a squadron hack with the paint stripped to natural aluminum finish. The tail was painted with red and white stripes and operated from Nadzab Airfield. On February 8, 1944 this plane plus F-4 41-2139 and F-4 41-2217 were allocated by 5th Air Force Headquarters for transfer to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). By the end of March 1944 ferried to Port Moresby. By the end of April 1944 the three were ferried from Port Moresby southward bound for Amberly Field. During the ferry flight, this F-4 force landed at Rockhampton. The other two reached Amberly Field and were delivered to the 3rd Air Depot (3 AD) but were rejected due to their poor condition and never officially allocated or assigned Royal Australian Air Force serial numbers. Fate On May 9, 1944 condemned at Brisbane and scrapped. Afterwards, scrapped. On July 26, 1944 officially stricken off charge. References USAF Serial Number Search Results - F-4-1-LO Lightning 41-2130 "2130 (8th PRS, "Malaria Mabel") condemned in Australia May 9, 1944" ADF Serials - 41-2130 Thanks to Robert Rocker for additional information Contribute
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