Aircraft History
Built by Bell in Buffalo, New York. Constructors Number 26E-397. Delivered to the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as P-39Q-5-BE Airacobra serial number 42-19993. One of 148 P-39Q-5-BE Airacobras modified into a P-39Q-6-BE modified for photographic reconnaissance with K-24 and K-25 cameras in the rear fuselage. Disassembled and shipped overseas to the South West Pacific Area (SWPA) and reassembled.

Wartime History
Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Group (71st TRG), 82nd Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (82nd TRS) "The Strafin' Saints". Assigned to pilot Peter A. McDermott. Nicknamed "Brooklyn Bum 2nd" by McDermott. Assigned to crew chief James W. O'Mara and armorer Sgt John M. Conway. During 1944, this Airacobra flew combat missions in New Guinea.

On the left side of the cockpit was painted the nickname, pilot's name 'Peter A. McDermott' and nine bomb markings indicating missions flown. Also, a shamrock and horseshoe on the cockpit door as good luck symbols. On the right engine cowl was "Oswego, NY". This Airacobra had a white tail and the leading edge of each wing was painted white. During 1944, abandoned at Tadji Airfield in a bone yard area and abandoned with the propeller and armament removed. Officially, this Airacobra was stricken from charge on May 21, 1945.

Wreckage
Until 1974, this Airacobra remained in situ at Tadji Airfield.

Salvage
During 1974, this aircraft was recovered by Charles Darby and Monty Armstrong from Tadji Airfield as part of a salvage operation funded by David Tallichet / Yesterday's Air Force (YAF). Afterwards, exported to New Zealand.

Storage
Between 1974 to 1976 placed into storage by Monty Armstrong in Auckland.

Display
Afterwards, sold to the the Australian Aerospace Museum, Melbourne, Victoria. This aircraft was restored to static condition in the markings of "Brooklyn Bum 2nd" and was on public display between 1982-1988. During 1989 displayed at Air World later that same year sold to Don Whittington / World Jet Inc. and shipped to exported to Florida.

In 1992 sold to the Santa Monica Museum of Flying where it was on displayed until 1994 with the leading edge of the wings and tail painted yellow, which was incorrect to the original white tail markings. When the museum disbanded, sold to the The Fighter Collection.

Restoration
This Airacobra was transported to Fighter Rebuilders / Planes of Fame for restoration to airworthy condition between 1994-2004.

On June 10, 2004 registered with the FAA as N793QG (this registration was canceled on February 16, 2007) to preform a flight test in the United States. On June 18, 2004 the restored Airacobra took off from Chino Airport piloted by Steve Hinton for a first flight and engine test while the restoration staff at Fighter Rebuilders watched their project fly. Afterwards, disassembled for shipment to the United Kingdom to The Fighter Collection.

On February 21, 2007 registered as G-CEJU to owner Patina Ltd (aka The Fighter Collection) and is based in the United Kingdom.

References
USAF Serial Number Search Results - P-39Q-5-BE Airacobra 42-19993
"converted to P-39Q-6-BE 42-19993 (MSN 26E-397) SOC May 21, 1945 and abandoned at Tadji, Papua New Guinea. Recovered from Tadji in 1974. Taken to New Zealand and then to Australia where was displayed in Moorabbin Air Museum from 1982 to 1988. Reported 1989 at Drage Air World, Wangaratta, Australia. Moved to USA for restoration. Restored to static display standard for Santa Monica Museum of Flying and displayed 1991-1994. Bought by The Fighter Collection of Duxford, England and is now under restoration as N139DP at Fighter Rebuilders Inc at Chino, CA. for The Fighter Collection of Duxford, England. Made first flight Jun 17, 2004. Registered as N793QG Jun 10, 2004. Registration N793QG canceled Feb 16, 2007. Registered G-CEJU Feb 21, 2007 to Patina Ltd (AKA The Fighter Collection) of Duxford, England despite the fact that N139DP had been assigned to the plane since Jan 9, 1992"
Pacific Aircraft Wrecks page 57 (upper) 61 (middle) 73
PNG Museum Aircraft Status Card - P-39Q Airacobra 42-19993

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

Last Updated
January 28, 2024