Aircraft History
Built by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation (LAC) in Burbank, California. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) model and serial number unknown. Disassembled and shipped overseas to the South Pacific and reassembled.

Wartime History
Assigned to the 5th Air Force, ? Fighter Group, ? Fighter Squadron. No known nose art or nickname. Likely, P-38H Lightning 42-66517.

Mission History
This aircraft force landed on the beach near Sarota on the southern coast of New Guinea.

Fate of the Pilot
The pilot was aided by local people and taken to Yule Island and returned to duty.

Wreckage
This aircraft remained in situ on the beach near Sarota. In recent years, this aircraft has been covered by sand and is not visible. According to the local community, the sand erodes and the aircraft is visible during a portion of the dry season each year.

Contribute Information
Are you a relative or associated with any person mentioned?
Do you have photos or additional information to add?

Last Updated
November 9, 2019