FlyPast 02.2018

NEWS THE LATEST IN AVIATION HERITAGE

6 FLYPAST February 2018

Martin Willoughby’s Lancaster R5868 replica

arriving at Woodford on October 30.

AVRO HERITAGE MUSEUM

Substantial remains of a Boeing B-

Superfortress have been discovered

by US vessel Okeanos Explorer off the

north of the Pacifi c island of Tinian,

from where the USAAF aircraft fl ew

during World War Two.

The aircraft was found using the

former US Navy ship’s multibeam

sonar. Three of the four engines are

still attached to the wings, and the

undercarriage appears to have been

retracted. A closer inspection revealed

that one or more of the engines may

have caught fi re, leading to the ditching.

Despite locating major portions of

the aircraft, large sections were not

found, including the tail which would

originally have displayed prominent

insignia (although it’s uncertain if this

would still be visible). It is possible

that the bomber could have broken up

on impact, but it is considered more

likely that shifting sands on the sea

bed have caused various parts to

separate. Further examination will

be needed before the identity of the

bomber can be confi rmed.

ROGER SOUPART

Superfortress wreck discovered in Pacifi c Ocean

A portion of the B-29s wing, displaying two

of the engines. NOAA VIA ROGER SOUPART

Reevers Warbirds of Adelaide,
Australia, has recently acquired North
American B-25D Mitchell 41-30816.
The bomber was assigned to the
Netherlands East Indies Air Force
(NEIAF) in September 1943, and fl ew
with the NEIAF’s 18 Squadron as N5-161.
The aircraft was adorned with the
moniker Mississippi Dream, the lettering
of which can still be seen on the left
side under the cockpit. The name is
likely to be a reference to a base at
Jackson, Mississippi, home to a Dutch
training unit during World War Two.
It is known that Mississippi Dream

suffered a nosegear collapse while

landing at Drysdale in western

Australia on either December 7 or 8,

1943. The aircraft was reported to have
      suffered extensive damage but none
      of the crew were injured. The machine
      was struck off charge in January 1944.
      The Mitchell was stored at Drysdale
      for decades, but has sadly been picked
      away at by souvenir hunters. Having
      transported its remains to Adelaide,
      Reevers intends to display it in ‘as
      found’ condition, and will use parts
      to create patterns for further B-
      restoration work. PHIL BUCKLEY

Remains of wartime

Mitchell change hands

The remains of B-25D Mitchell N5-161 are

transported to Adelaide. REEVERS VIA

PHIL BUCKLEY

Corsair project moving

forward in Australia

Volunteers from the Classic Jets

Fighter Museum at Parafi eld,

Adelaide, have made signifi cant

progress with their restoration of

Vought F4U-1 Corsair 02270.

Recent work has focused on the

forward area of the main landing

gear and completing the wheel well

plumbing. After the wheels have been

fi tted, the aircraft’s Pratt & Whitney

powerplant will be installed, and the

propellers assembled. Completion

of the cockpit will be one of the last

jobs.

Work to cover the outer wings with

fabric has been curtailed due to the

very strong heat in Adelaide – this

will be done in a few months’ time

after the Australian summer. Project

owner Bob Jarrett estimates the

Corsair restoration will take another

12 months, although this is partly

dependent on the weather.

http://www.classicjets.com PHIL BUCKLEY

Vought F4U-1 Corsair 02270 is being restored in Adelaide. PHIL BUCKLEY