In 1972, as they flew over the swamps of Papua New Guinea, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) airmen spotted an unusual structure below. Its distinct size and shape stood out against the surrounding landscape, sparking their curiosity and prompting them to investigate further.
Navigating the difficult swamp terrain with care, they eventually arrived at the mysterious site: a crashed plane that locals called the “Swamp Ghost.” To their amazement, it was a Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress, an American relic from the WWII era, seemingly abandoned and forgotten by time. However, the most astonishing discovery awaited them inside the long-forgotten aircraft.
The crew survived a death-defying crash
On February 23, 1942, just months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Capt. Frederick C. Eaton Jr. flew a B-17E Flying Fortress over Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, which had recently been overtaken by Japanese forces. During the mission, the bomber was struck, damaging a wing and causing a critical fuel leak, making it impossible for the crew to return to their base in Port Moresby.
With no other options, Eaton attempted an emergency landing in what appeared to be a wheat field. The crew survived the impact, only to quickly realize they had landed in a crocodile-infested swamp. Despite the dangerous surroundings, they managed to escape and were rescued by local villagers, who treated them for malaria. Once they recovered, the crew continued their service through the remainder of World War II.
The legend of the “Swamp Ghost”
Following the crash, neither the B-17E crew nor the U.S. Air Force made any attempts to recover the heavy bomber. It remained untouched in the swamp, occasionally visited by local villagers. Over time, the site acquired a sacred quality, as strange events began to occur around those who ventured too close to the wreckage.
Local legend tells of individuals who approached the plane but never returned, while others returned with malaria and cognitive issues. As a result, the villagers began to avoid the area, treating it as a sacred site to protect themselves from the mysterious happenings.
After the war, Papua New Guinea attracted relic hunters in search of downed planes, abandoned weapons, old infrastructure, and other remnants overtaken by the jungle. The “Swamp Ghost” quickly became one of the most coveted sites.
Salvagers spotted the B-17E Flying Fortress in the jungle
When the Australian airmen spotted the B-17E in 1972, they were astonished by their discovery. The wreck was in remarkable condition, with thermoses filled with coffee poured by the original crew still intact!
In the 1980s, following news of the find, renowned aircraft salvager Fred Hagan and his partner, David Tallichet, embarked on a mission to locate and salvage the wreck. They were astonished to see that the “Swamp Ghost” remained in such excellent shape. Although most of the weapons and mechanics had been taken by locals, the interior was still impressive.
Hagan and Tallichet initiated the reconstruction of the heavy bomber to ensure it was strong enough for transport. However, setbacks delayed their efforts for several years. Ultimately, in 2006, the salvage mission was completed, except for one last hurdle: locals were resistant to its removal. After a ceremony to honor the spirits of the swamp, the aircraft was finally allowed to depart its resting place for the first time in 65 years.
Where is the “Swamp Ghost” now?
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Once it was fully restored, the “Swamp Ghost” was put on display at a ceremony in Long Beach, California that was attended by many family members of the original crew. It has since been permanently moved to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum in Hawaii, where it’s undergoing restoration.