U.S. WWII fighter plane found on coast of Wales

No Boss · November 16th, 2007, 3:35 AM

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/wn_r...coast_of_.html

Quote:

Shifting sands on the coast of Wales have exhumed an American P-38 fighter plane that crash landed 65 years ago during War World II.

The aircraft had been long forgotten by the U.S. Air Force, but recent erosion of the Irish Sea beach revealed the twin-engine relic.

"This is just a monumental discovery, and a very emotional thing," said Robert Elliott, 64, of Blountville, Tenn., whose uncle, 2nd Lt. Robert (Fred) Elliott, was the last to pilot the plane.

Lt. Elliot of Rich Square, N.C., was on a gunnery practice mission Sept. 27, 1942, when a fuel supply error forced him to make an emergency landing on the beach near Harlech.

The pilot survived the belly flop. But three months later he was shot down over Tunisia, and his body was never recovered.

Welsh maritime officer Barry Davies said the rusted hull of the P-38 fighter was spotted several weeks ago by a beachcomber.

"It still has a lot of high-octane fuel onboard, so it's important that the public doesn't go near it," Davies told the BBC.

Ric Gillespie of the U.S.-based International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery hopes to lead a mission to salvage the plane.

"It's sort of like 'Brigadoon,' the mythical Scottish village that appears and disappears," Gillespie said.

http://www.nydailynews.com/img/2007/11/15/amd_plane.jpg

Well that's pretty cool.

BerserkerCatSplat · November 16th, 2007, 3:41 AM

Wow, that's very cool!

Labcoatguy · November 16th, 2007, 4:07 AM

American build quality FTW images/smilies/biggrin.gif

watto · November 16th, 2007, 6:42 AM

The cool-fu is strong with this one.

KaJuN · November 16th, 2007, 8:50 AM

Awesome story! It reminds of when they found the squadron of P-38's under the ice. I wonder how the air force could have forgotten about a plane like that. I hope the pilot's family receives a piece of the plane. That seems appropriate to me.

Whappeh · November 16th, 2007, 9:03 AM

Sounds like an awesome find.

Blind_Io · November 16th, 2007, 4:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KaJuN

Awesome story! It reminds of when they found the squadron of P-38's under the ice. I wonder how the air force could have forgotten about a plane like that. I hope the pilot's family receives a piece of the plane. That seems appropriate to me.

One of those is back in the air, she's been named "Glacier Girl"

BlaRo · November 16th, 2007, 5:05 PM

P-38 Lightning - my favorite WWII plane! Great story.

emil_t · November 16th, 2007, 5:31 PM

truly spectacular !
If anyone can find more info or pics, i'm interested images/smilies/biggrin.gif

I found a slightly bigger image of the plane:

http://a.abcnews.com/images/US/e85a0fdc-f19f-4048-a4f9-0914a50fe24f_ms.jpeg

Cobol74 · November 16th, 2007, 6:24 PM

The famous Kelly Johnson had a hand in the design I believe.

There told you. ...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarenc...lly%22_Johnson

http://www.wvi.com/~sr71webmaster/kelly1.htm

Whappeh · November 16th, 2007, 6:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blind_Io

One of those is back in the air, she's been named "Glacier Girl"

The mere fact that someone was able to get one of those aircraft to fly again is astounding.

KaJuN · November 16th, 2007, 8:07 PM

I've seen "Glacier Girl" at the Dayton air show a few times. Even after watching a show about how they found the plane and rebuilt it I just couldn't believe that that battered wreck was sitting in front of me looking like it had just flown out of the factory. Amazing work!

Blind_Io · November 16th, 2007, 8:59 PM

There is a letter to the editor in the most recent issue of Air & Space that advocates "giving 'Glacier Girl' a break." There was talk of having 'Glacier Girl' re-create her original flight path, the author is opposed to the plan because the plane is so unique. When she was recovered they found the pilot had used his service sidearm to shoot up the radio so it could not be salvaged. Something like that should be shown, but there is no need to take other risks with it. There's too much history there.

Speedtouch · November 16th, 2007, 11:47 PM

Do you think the American's will want it back?

Cobol74 · November 17th, 2007, 12:07 AM

It is US property, so I would think that they would, and rightly so, and I would think that we would not dream of keeping it. Actually, it kinda really belongs to a brave man really who is no longer with us - the pilot.

jayhawk · November 17th, 2007, 12:36 AM

That is a pretty neat find.

But....

I am surprised there are no environmental protesters, protesting that it is harmful to the beach and the enviroment, the anti-war protesters because it is represents an object used to kill, and the anti globalization protesters who would deem it an alliance of America and Britain, two evil Capitalist country's.

What...you think it couldn't happen?

Hidden_Hunter · November 17th, 2007, 1:38 AM

They used some planes that they found in Siberia to repair them to flying order (or in the process) a FW190 and a BF109

epp_b · November 17th, 2007, 2:39 AM

Quote:

That is a pretty neat find.

But....

I am surprised there are no environmental protesters, protesting that it is harmful to the beach and the enviroment, the anti-war protesters because it is represents an object used to kill, and the anti globalization protesters who would deem it an alliance of America and Britain, two evil Capitalist country's.

What...you think it couldn't happen?

Naw, this is far too cool, even for that!

NAIDANAC A · November 17th, 2007, 4:13 AM

I think they should just leave it as a landmark, kinda like how there is a barge stuck against a rock right before the Niagara falls.

nannocrob · November 17th, 2007, 4:49 AM

The Russians just claimed they shot it down. If anyone cares... or is willing to believe them.

November 16th, 2007, 3:41 AM	#2
BerserkerCatSplat Hormone Induced Joined: Jun 21st, 2005 Last Online: 2:07 AM Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Posts: 6,890 Car: ZJ 4X4X5 Rep Power: 168	Wow, that's very cool! __________________ OSPhoto

November 16th, 2007, 8:50 AM	#5
KaJuN Disco Inferno Joined: Jul 31st, 2006 Last Online: Yesterday Location: American in Okinawa Age: 23 Posts: 5,068 Car: Suzuki Swift, Honda Benly CL50 Rep Power: 176	Awesome story! It reminds of when they found the squadron of P-38's under the ice. I wonder how the air force could have forgotten about a plane like that. I hope the pilot's family receives a piece of the plane. That seems appropriate to me. __________________ ...and Michigan still sucks. D-Fence: Kajun is just outside caressing his Discovery....touching it gently, you know......it is such a dirty bitch.....but he seems to love dirty girls in high heels who are taller then him and have "quite a few pounds" on their hips ^^ This post was accidentally unearthed from a shallow grave by construction workers. My Flickr

November 16th, 2007, 9:03 AM	#6
Whappeh Joined: Aug 21st, 2006 Last Online: 2:44 AM Location: Orlando, FL/Portland, ME Age: 23 Posts: 1,550 Car: 06 Impreza 2.5i Rep Power: 97	Sounds like an awesome find. __________________ Go White Sox! - Go Arsenal! Travel now, journey infinitely!

November 16th, 2007, 5:05 PM	#8
BlaRo Lady GaGa's #1 Fan Joined: Aug 18th, 2005 Last Online: 12:35 AM Location: Assachusetts Age: 21 Posts: 11,259 Car: 1997 Yamaha Seca II, 1976 Honda CB550F Rep Power: 372	P-38 Lightning - my favorite WWII plane! Great story. __________________ "It is impossible to describe this kind of performance to the uninitiated. Telling a traffic officer or a safety crusader like Ralph Nader that 100 mph can be safe is like reading the Constitution to a Maoist; it is a strange and hostile concept." -Brock Yates. The body was accidentally unearthed from a shallow grave by construction workers. Because of Parkinson's.

November 16th, 2007, 5:31 PM	#9
emil_t Joined: Jul 28th, 2007 Last Online: Yesterday Posts: 1,173 Rep Power: 19	truly spectacular ! If anyone can find more info or pics, i'm interested I found a slightly bigger image of the plane:

November 16th, 2007, 4:07 AM	#3
Labcoatguy Joined: Mar 27th, 2005 Last Online: 2:39 AM Location: Boston, MA Age: 26 Posts: 4,425 Car: A Jaaaaaaaag. Rep Power: 235	American build quality FTW

November 16th, 2007, 6:42 AM	#4
watto Unloved and lacking a title Joined: Jun 13th, 2005 Last Online: November 16th, 2009 Location: Melbourne, Australia Age: 24 Posts: 5,707 Car: MY06 Impreza 2.0R Hatch Rep Power: 73	The cool-fu is strong with this one.

November 16th, 2007, 6:24 PM	#10
Cobol74 Joined: Mar 21st, 2006 Last Online: 2:50 AM Location: Southampton Posts: 8,593 Car: Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 TDI Slush box. Rep Power: 126	The famous Kelly Johnson had a hand in the design I believe. There told you. ... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarenc...lly%22_Johnson http://www.wvi.com/~sr71webmaster/kelly1.htm __________________ Lotus 7 Registration Mark = KAR120C : Engine Number = 461034 TZ Ross Brawn genius or what?

November 16th, 2007, 8:07 PM	#12
KaJuN Disco Inferno Joined: Jul 31st, 2006 Last Online: Yesterday Location: American in Okinawa Age: 23 Posts: 5,068 Car: Suzuki Swift, Honda Benly CL50 Rep Power: 176	I've seen "Glacier Girl" at the Dayton air show a few times. Even after watching a show about how they found the plane and rebuilt it I just couldn't believe that that battered wreck was sitting in front of me looking like it had just flown out of the factory. Amazing work! __________________ ...and Michigan still sucks. D-Fence: Kajun is just outside caressing his Discovery....touching it gently, you know......it is such a dirty bitch.....but he seems to love dirty girls in high heels who are taller then him and have "quite a few pounds" on their hips ^^ This post was accidentally unearthed from a shallow grave by construction workers. My Flickr

November 16th, 2007, 8:59 PM	#13
Blind_Io Dispenses buckshot medication for all undead patients. Joined: Apr 5th, 2006 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Utah, USA Age: 28 Posts: 10,993 Car: 2006 Nissan X-Terra - 2000 VFR800 Interceptor Rep Power: 266	There is a letter to the editor in the most recent issue of Air & Space that advocates "giving 'Glacier Girl' a break." There was talk of having 'Glacier Girl' re-create her original flight path, the author is opposed to the plan because the plane is so unique. When she was recovered they found the pilot had used his service sidearm to shoot up the radio so it could not be salvaged. Something like that should be shown, but there is no need to take other risks with it. There's too much history there. __________________ War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Strength

November 16th, 2007, 11:47 PM	#14
Speedtouch Joined: Jul 30th, 2006 Last Online: 12:08 AM Location: Kent, England Age: 17 Posts: 4,131 Car: '99 Kangoo 1.4 (Parents) Rep Power: 86	Do you think the American's will want it back? __________________ ^My Flickr^

November 17th, 2007, 12:07 AM	#15
Cobol74 Joined: Mar 21st, 2006 Last Online: 2:50 AM Location: Southampton Posts: 8,593 Car: Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 TDI Slush box. Rep Power: 126	It is US property, so I would think that they would, and rightly so, and I would think that we would not dream of keeping it. Actually, it kinda really belongs to a brave man really who is no longer with us - the pilot. __________________ Lotus 7 Registration Mark = KAR120C : Engine Number = 461034 TZ Ross Brawn genius or what?

November 17th, 2007, 12:36 AM	#16
jayhawk Cigar Smoking Man Joined: Dec 11th, 2005 Last Online: 2:19 AM Location: Aurora, IL. Age: 34 Posts: 6,475 Car: 07 Subaru WRX, 09 VW Tiguan. Rep Power: 234	That is a pretty neat find. But.... I am surprised there are no environmental protesters, protesting that it is harmful to the beach and the enviroment, the anti-war protesters because it is represents an object used to kill, and the anti globalization protesters who would deem it an alliance of America and Britain, two evil Capitalist country's. What...you think it couldn't happen? __________________ Instead of attending the circus, I visit Autoblog to see the clowns comment instead.

November 17th, 2007, 1:38 AM	#17
Hidden_Hunter D: Joined: Oct 7th, 2006 Last Online: 2:45 AM Location: Melbourne, Australia Age: 21 Posts: 5,781 Car: '08 Honda Accord Euro Rep Power: 76	They used some planes that they found in Siberia to repair them to flying order (or in the process) a FW190 and a BF109 __________________ My car is dark grey not black!

November 17th, 2007, 4:13 AM	#19
NAIDANAC A Joined: May 30th, 2006 Last Online: 2:48 AM Location: Ontario, Canada Age: 19 Posts: 3,677 Car: 300E Rep Power: 70	I think they should just leave it as a landmark, kinda like how there is a barge stuck against a rock right before the Niagara falls. __________________

Welcome to the FinalGear.com Forums!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

November 17th, 2007, 4:49 AM	#20
nannocrob Banned Joined: Jul 25th, 2007 Last Online: February 21st, 2008 Location: Pahrump, Nevada Posts: 192 Car: Hummer H2H Hybrid AKA "The Redundant" Rep Power: 0	The Russians just claimed they shot it down. If anyone cares... or is willing to believe them.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Lexmark Indy 300 - Gold Coast, Queensland Australia	SileNceR	Photography	5	October 22nd, 2007 6:48 AM
WWII plane crashes near airshow	Gibby	Off-Topic	6	September 16th, 2007 4:28 AM
Who's going to Rally Wales, Dec 1-3?	klutch	General Automotive	3	November 29th, 2006 1:08 AM
WRC Wales Rally GB 2006	AndyHayes	Motorsports	0	November 9th, 2006 7:06 PM
East Coast Z Association Meet (4/15/06)	Izari	General Automotive	4	April 16th, 2006 5:07 AM