ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 209481
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| Date: | Wednesday 14 April 1943 |
| Time: | day |
| Type: |  Lockheed P-38G Lightning |
| Owner/operator: | 9th FSqn /49th FGp USAAF |
| Registration: | 42-12849 |
| MSN: | |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1 |
| Aircraft damage: | Destroyed |
| Location: | near Gurney Airfield, Milne Bay -
 Papua New Guinea
|
| Phase: | Approach |
| Nature: | Military |
| Departure airport: | Dobodura Airstrip |
On the 14th of April 1943 a large force of Japanese bombers, escorted by over 100 Zero fighters, attacked Allied shipping in Milne Bay.
USAAF and RAAF fighters took off to defend the ships. In the air fighting that followed a P-38G Lightning, piloted by 1st Lt William D. Sells, received serious battle damage. The pilot headed to Gurney A/F to make an emergency landing.
On final approach to the runway the right-hand engine seized, probably due to oil or coolant loss, and control was lost at a low height. The Lightning spun into the ground and the pilot was killed.
Sources:
http://www.flyingknights.net/
Pacific Wrecks
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 18-Apr-2018 05:45 | angels one five | Added |
| 18-Apr-2018 19:00 | angels one five | Updated [Narrative] |
| 10-May-2019 02:42 | angels one five | Updated [Time, Narrative] |
| 22-Mar-2020 19:36 | DG333 | Updated [Operator, Operator] |
| 14-Feb-2021 04:00 | angels one five | Updated [Operator] |
| 23-Feb-2021 21:38 | Anon. | Updated [Operator, Location, Operator] |
| 27-Jun-2023 00:34 | Ron Averes | Updated [[Operator, Location, Operator]] |
Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description
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