A U.S. transport plane shot down by Japanese fighters during World War II has been found in dense jungle along with remains of the five crewmen, an Australian mining company said Friday.
The company, CRA, said the wreckage was discovered two months ago in rugged terrain near Wau, where the company is prospecting for gold. Wau is about 185 miles north of Port Moresby, the capital.Word of the find was delayed while the geologist who stumbled upon the wreck researched the plane's history, the company said.
Papua New Guinea, just north of Australia, was the scene of bitter fighting during the Pacific war.
In his report, geologist Grant Malensek identified the aircraft as number 1-38658 of the 33rd Troop Carrier Squadron of the 374 Troop Carrier Group, U.S. 5th Air Force.