ZERO UNDERWATER, NUKUORO ATOLL

A carrier based aircraft that ran out of fuel while being chased  and made a water landing at Nukuoro Atoll.  The fate of the pilot is now known. He lived on the island and had two children born to him, both have since died.

Aircraft was intact apart from a missing tail section.  Dangerous stone fish lived inside the aircraft.

Featured in the John Harding documentary films “Aquarius – People and Wildlife of the Sea” (1970) “Australian Seafari” (1986)

Footnote: Who was the pilot and did he survive the crash landing on water?  His name was Captain Tosiuki Hiachi and we have made contact with his grand daughter in USA (as of June 3, 2010).  To be continued, hopefully.  Below is a view of the island – picture taken above the aircraft wreckage.

TWO AIRCRAFT DISCOVERED UNDERWATER, CAPE YORK.

 

Dean Cropp salvaged these from a Mitchell bomber in 15 meters of water; visibility two meters.

Dean Cropp salvaged these from a Mitchell bomber in 15 meters of water; visibility two meters.

One of several aircraft wrecks being explored underwater in northern Queensland.

One of several aircraft wrecks being explored underwater in northern Queensland. The locations are being pin-pointed with GPS when they become snagged by prawn trawler nets. The above site in far northern Cape York is in only seven meters of depth, too shallow for the trawlers. Various personal items from the aircraft include a hand gun, compass, binoculars. Your own dive boat and lots of time and money is required for such expeditions. Ben Cropp is being assisted by his sons Adam and Dean Cropp. The current expedition is expected to last 18 months and includes Western Australia locations.