WW2 Pacific Treasures: The story of the Japanese Zero fighter aircraft at Vial Island

The Zero fighter is lying upside down on a sandy seabed (PHOTO CREDIT: Rod Pearce)

The Japanese Zero fighter aircraft of Vial Island was found in 2007, lying upside on a sandy bottom. 

The landing gear is extended and the rubber tires remain mostly intact, albeit covered in marine life. 

Both wing flaps are extended. 

The right side of the fuselage has a hole, possibly caused by combat damage.

Location of aircraft wreck at Vial Island

Possibly, this Zero was lost on January 23, 1943 when Zeros took off to intercept 90th Bombardment Group B-24 Liberators on an armed reconnaissance mission over Wewak. 

This Zero was damaged and had to perform an emergency ditching at sea. 

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