Submitted by Chris Halliday
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Earlier this year, 2011, My father and I took a hike, about 45minutes to a downed airplane from wwII. It was an exciting journey, first stopping in Coal Harbour to talk to a couple local pilots to find out how to reach this wreck. After heading back into Port Hardy, BC we started our trek out to the air plane. Heading in the wrong direction a couple of times, but we soon found the start of the trail.
It seemed like the trail wouldn’t end, it wasn’t a long trail, but i was getting anxious to see this air plane. Upon first arrival we noticed a statue/plaque dedicated to the 3 men of the air plane. 2 that did not make it and the 1 survivor. It was a pretty large area that the plane pieces where scattered, what was interesting to note, was the broken trees and branches from the plane landing on the hill side. Also found at the wreck was a wooden helicopter pad probably used for rescue and removal of pieces of the plane. As some parts are no longer at the air plane…engines and so on.
It was really nice to see that there were no signs of vandalism of the air plane or parts near by. The plane is dirty and relatively untouched since its unfortunate crash in 1944. Its defiantly worth the short hike to get to it if you are ever in Port Hardy, BC. The start of the trail is located near the Port Hardy ferry to Prince Rupert.
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Photo Descriptions:
1.Upon first arrival at the wreck. This is what we seen first
2.Plaque for the 3 crew members
3.Side shot of the plane
4.Twisted wing
5.Another side shot
6.Tail of the plane
7.Broken off tree tops
8.View inside toward the tail section
9.Standing inside by the cock pit area facing the tail
10.Wreck view from outside
11.Outside photo
12.Side shot
Chris Halliday
