B-17E “Swamp Ghost” Recovered

For 64 years, a B-17E Flying Fortress dubbed the “Swamp Ghost” laid submerged in the waters of the Agaiambo Swamp in Papua New Guinea. After being hit by enemy gunfire and the resultant loss of fuel while participating in the first long-range U.S. bombing mission of WWII, this B-17 was ditched on Feb. 23, 1942 in a highly remote area 8 miles inland on the northern coast.

Nine crew members survived the crash and after a treacherous escape, returned to combat many weeks later. Of the 512 B-17E models that were built during the war, the Swamp Ghost is one of only four B-17Es that have ever been recovered, it being in the best condition. Some aviation historians consider it the “holy grail of military aviation”.

After many decades, it was recovered in May 2006 and later brought to the U.S., thanks to the efforts of Fred Hagen and Dave Tallichet. It is now being made available to Planes of Fame Air Museum courtesy of Fred Hagen and John Tallichet.

This rare B-17E that is legend in military aviation history!

- Planes of Fame