Wartime History
Assigned to 5th Air Force, 49tth Fighter Group, 8th Fighter Squadron. No known nickname or nose art. This P-40 Warhawk was abandoned at Tsili-Tsili Airfield.

Wreckage
Until 1973, this aircraft remained in situ at Tsili-Tsili Airfield. The aircraft was largely intact with traces of green olive drab paint on the upper surfaces and the U.S. Star markings on the fuselage and wings. By the late 1960s, the tail section was unbolted, cockpit canopy was missing, wing machine gun ammunition covers were removed and the engine cowling missing.

Recovery
During September 1973, salvaged by Monty Armstrong for David Tallichet / Yesterday's Air Force (MARC) by floating the aircraft down the river on a raft.

Storage
Shipped from Lae to the United States and stored at Chino Airport. Registered with the FAA as N28723 (deregistered). No restoration work was performed on this airframe. Later, moved to Pima Air & Space Museum where it is being stored or restored.

References
USAF Serial Number Search Results - P-40N-5-CU Warhawk 42-104961
"104961 (MSN 28723) recovered from Tsili Tsili, PNG Sep 1973. Stored dismantled."
Pacific Aircraft Wrecks page 22 (lower right)
PNG Museum Aircraft Status Card - P-40 Kittyhawk 42-104961
FAA lists N28723 as deregistered as another aircraft Piper PA-28-161

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Last Updated
March 30, 2024