In 1972, while flying over the swamps of Papua New Guinea, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) airmen noticed an unusual structure below. Its unusual size and shape stood out against the surrounding terrain, piquing their curiosity and leading them to investigate further.
Carefully navigating the challenging swamp landscape, they eventually reached the mysterious site: a crashed plane that locals referred to as the “Swamp Ghost.” To their astonishment, it was a Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress, an American relic from the World War II era, seemingly abandoned and untouched by time. Yet, the most remarkable 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 efforts to recover the heavy bomber. It remained undisturbed in the swamp, with occasional visits from local villagers. Over time, the site took on a sacred quality, as strange incidents reportedly occurred to those who ventured too close to the wreckage.
Local legend speaks of people who approached the plane but never returned, while others came back suffering from malaria or mental issues. As a result, villagers began avoiding the area, treating it as a sacred site to protect themselves from its mysterious occurrences.
After the war, Papua New Guinea became a destination for relic hunters searching for downed aircraft, abandoned weapons, aging infrastructure, and other remnants consumed by the jungle. The “Swamp Ghost” soon became one of the most sought-after 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.