P40n-1 Wreckage Goodenough Is., RAAF Kittyhawke

[Langdon]

Hello,

Thanks Brendan for joining me to this forum, hopefully I can work out how to post multiple photos.
In 1972 I was lucky enough to visit Vivigani strip on Goodenough Is. I have recently been looking into the history of some of the wreckage that was there and with the help of your ADF serials webpages I think I have managed to identify the P40 that so captivated me at the time.

Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Photo 4
Photo 5
Interesting sign in the scallop behind the cockpit.

After discussing this aircraft in Facebook I was sent an image that identified the aircraft as a 75 Sqn P40N-1, tail code GA-Z.

Photo 6

After searching the serials records for GA-Z I could only find one that crashed later in the war. I believe the only record that fits this accident is for A29-430 USA serial number 42-104670.
Ordered on USAAF Contract AC34423, RAAF Case 126 , Indent2012A BPC RFDA-322A, Diversion 279-A; Aus9 #12, Shipped Ex New York CV #111 as MAC-Air A29-1011. Rec 2AD Richmond ex USA 15/07/43. Renumbered RAAF A29-430 19/07/42. Rec 75 Sqn RAAF ex 2AD 08/09/43. Accident 0845hrs 22/10/43 when landing at Vivigani Strip, Goodenough Island after a fourteen aircraft dive bombing strike on Gasmata Area, the a/c landed short, causing starboard leg to collapse on touching down. The a/c then swung off the strip , running into rough ground on side of strip. This forced the port leg to collapse also. Pilot; F/Sgt E W Smith Serv#410015 was not injured. Rec 26RSU ex 75Sqn RAAF 24/10/43. AMSE Approval to Write-off per File#9/16/1187 29/10/43. Allison V1710-81 Engine#22550

If anyone has further information or can suggest a different serial number I would appreciate your help. Apologies for the way I have attached these photos, every other attempt caused an error, something about dynamic links not accepted.

This post has been edited by Langdon on Jun 22 2019, 02:02 PM

[Brenden S]

They are some fantastic images. I am sure Gordon will be able to assist.