Copyright www.aerothentic.com 2006
The below article was prepared
especially for this website,
acknowledges fellow Australian
and HARS member Robert Greinart, along with Aerothentic’s Chief Field Officer
18th May 1942, 36th Fighter Squadron/ 8th Fighter
Group
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PHOTOS OF THIS CRASH SITE
This fighter was last seen at approximately 0915 hours while engaged in the interception of Mitsubishi G4M1 Betty bombers of the 4th Kokutai near Seven Mile Airdrome. Port Moresby. During the combat, one enemy bomber was shot down in flames. At the same time another aircraft believed to be that piloted by Chapman appeared to disintergrate in mid-air. The pilot and aircraft were not found until early in 2002. The find has been reported by Aerothentic to CILHI who will investigate the site as soon as is practical.
What is remarkable
about the site is its proximity to Port Moresby. The fighter flat-spun into
the ground about 20 miles to the town's North-west, not far from the banks
of Brown River. it is probable that Chapman collided with one of the bombers
he was attacking, and that he was thrown from the fighter without his parachute
opening. If this is the case, locating his remains will be difficult. the
identity of the aircraft has been confirmed by the yellow stencilled serial
number on both sides of the tail, as well as a manufacturer's plate found
on part of the airframe.
REST IN PEACE
Pilot:
2/Lt Charles H. Chapman