P-38 Lightning found off Solana Beach, California (1 Viewer)

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beldridg

Airman
39
86
May 3, 2022
We have located another new airplane wreck in the Pacific Ocean off Southern California. This one is a P-38 Lightning. We also have a preliminary ID. If we are correct, it crashed almost 80 years ago and the pilot went on to live to 98 years old and received the Purple Heart. Below is a link to the story that has photos and a completely photogrammetry model that is published online.

Here is a link to the story:


Photogrammetry model screenshot:

P38-cover.png


Enjoy,

- brett
 
Quick update. We were able to get a copy of the accident report and it reinforces our belief that we correctly identified the bureau number. Given the state of the wreck, we doubt that we will ever be 100% confident, but at this point, we have a high confidence level. Here is a post with all the details, including a copy of the accident report:


- brett
 
It's not a "Bureau Number", that's USN. The brass radio callsign plate will still be attached to the instrument panel and many of the access panels (including engine cowls) will have the Lockheed 4 digit constructors number stamped into them. DPAA recovered an MIA from an underwater crash site(80 ft down) in PNG in the last 5 years. It hit hard and broke up, but the instrument panel.and radio call plate were still located.
 

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