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Post by davet on Dec 4, 2014 0:35:56 GMT -5
There are wrecks and then there are historic wrecks! Just in time for the 73rd anniversary of Pearl Harbor. I did this because I have a passion for Hawaii aviation history and especially interested in wrecks from the Pearl Harbor attack. V/R DaveTrojan, Aviation Archaeologist 21 page Story attached with pictures and link to video. Mystery P-40 wrecks compressed.pdf (984.06 KB) WWII P-40 Warhawk wreck discovered in Kailua Bay An underwater P-40 Warhawk wreck was recently rediscovered and investigated in Kailua Bay off the north shore of Oahu. Using information provided by someone who first found the wreck more than 37 years ago, the wreck was rediscovered and investigated. A link to the the attack on Pearl Harbor and Bellows Field was found. A team guided by Aviation Archaeologist, Dave Trojan, including: sport diver, Blade Shepherd-Jones and archivist, Craig Fuller of Aviation Archaeological Investigation and Research, (AAIR) spent months searching for and documenting the aircraft crash site. The team discovered several important artifacts including: Allison V-1710 engine, landing gear, and other wreckage from the plane. The team documented the site with photographs and video. Using military archives and oral histories, the wreck was identified as a very rare P-40B or C model that most likely crashed early in the war. “This discovery is a tangible reminder of the WWII aviation history of Hawaii, said Trojan. “Sunken aircraft sites like the P-40 Warhawk convey the sacrifices young aviators made throughout World War II in the Pacific. Aviation Archaeology is an exciting way we can help to uncover these wrecks and the stories that go with them.” “This is an exciting time for underwater wreck discoveries in Hawaii,” said Dave Trojan. The Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory is conducting WWII maritime archaeology research and it is hoped that this discovery will add to the body of knowledge of Hawaii undersea wrecks. This wreck is another piece of the puzzle of Hawaii aviation accidents and another important part of our aviation history. Further research is ongoing to positively identify the wreck and conserve artifacts that were recovered from it. |
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Post by TAdan on Dec 5, 2014 9:54:08 GMT -5
An excellent read, thanks Dave.
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Post by Nathan Milarta on Dec 16, 2014 9:13:53 GMT -5
Im not familiar with the location, but isn't Bellows field East shore? A few years ago someone posted a picture of Bishops P-40 off the shore. Also there was a 50 cal bullet for sale that was said to have come from this wreck. Although I wanted to bid on it I had my doubts cause I don't think the P-40's at 50 cal ammo installed. As I always read it was stored separate before and after flight?
-Nate
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Post by davet on Dec 22, 2014 15:30:42 GMT -5
Bellows Field is located on the North shore of Oahu. about 10 miles from Kaneohe.
The wreck is located off Kailua Beach approx. 3.5 miles NE from Bellows Field. The identity of this wreck remains a mystery.
The 50 cal bullet story was total BS. When the two P-40s took off from Bellows neither had 50 cal ammo loaded because the 50 cal guns were removed for cleaning the day before. Only 30 cal guns in the wings were being loaded just before they took off. The 50 cal bullet was most likely from training that was conducted on the beach of Bellows during the war.
Because of the story I wrote I have received several leads and more information. Another aircraft wreck was found located underwater off Wailua point (which is between Bellows Field and Kailua) This wreck is most likely Lt. Bishops. The wreck is currently under investigation. I'll let you know what I discover.
I welcome any info regarding P-40 B and C models operated by the 44th PS. or aircraft operated at Bellows Field.
DaveT
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Post by davet on Dec 23, 2014 23:31:55 GMT -5
New information received According to the Air Force history files the 44th Pursuit Squadron had 2 losses on 7 December 1941. They were P-40B 41-5208 and 41-5209 History cards attached, note they use fiscal year instead of calendar year. They show both aircraft were assigned to Bellows and both were condemned 12-28-1941 which was standard practice for aircraft destroyed on 7Dec41. They were just carried on the books for a time after the attack. any comments? Attachments:
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Post by davet on Dec 31, 2014 23:17:27 GMT -5
More new info
From the After Action Reports from both Bellows Field and NAS Kaneohe reported a plane seen diving and crashing into Kailua Bay. The plane crash was claimed Japanese shot down by both units.
Note this is reported much further out into the bay and not related to article about the found P-40 which is near the beach.
I now know it was not Japanese. So who was it? Further research reveals that it must be LT. Sterlings P-36 from Wheeler Field. He is the only MIA American pilot who got airborne that day.
I'm looking for more info about Lt. Sterlings P-36. Anybody have photos or more info about his plane or even P-36 in general based at Wheeler Field?
DaveT
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Post by Nathan Milarta on Jan 1, 2015 10:11:12 GMT -5
Dave,
Have you been in contact with David Aiken. He wrote an article years ago with a P-36 at Wheeler photo.
FWIW, I always considered Bellows to be on the east coast of Oahu. Although I've never been there so I can't say what the locals would say.
-Nate
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Post by Nathan Milarta on Jan 1, 2015 10:11:24 GMT -5
Dave,
Have you been in contact with David Aiken. He wrote an article years ago with a P-36 at Wheeler photo.
FWIW, I always considered Bellows to be on the east coast of Oahu. Although I've never been there so I can't say what the locals would say.
-Nate
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Post by davidwaiken on Jan 8, 2015 14:47:42 GMT -5
Aloha Nate and Dave Trojan,
On Oahu, there is only ONE "North Shore"...the location of the BANZAI PIPELINE surfing championships. That means the section of the island between Kahuku Point and Kaena Point...and to those on Oahu, the area northeast of the Koolau Mountain range (a northwest to southeast range) is the "windward" side. To say that Bellows is on the "north" side of Oahu is likened to the local weatherman saying a front may be "North" and "East" of the local town...actually that long windward side area is BOTH "North" and "East". As opposed to the "North Shore", I often say Bellows is on the east shore of Oahu.
Hi Dave,
Hope that the early December 2014 loop of e-mails of Colin Perry, Burl Burlingame, et al, in responce to your treatise on the "Mystery" P-40 helps assure you that the crash is not that of Sam Bishop and the scan of my article on Gordon Sterling confirmed that your crash is not a Dec 7 related crash.
Hope that series of e-mails helped,
Cheers,
David Aiken
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