Rare World War II fighter plane parts discovered in Moray woods

Explorer uncovers valuable remnants of historic aircraft in Scotland's forests

Discovery of a Historic Aircraft

In a remarkable find, a part of a rare World War II American fighter plane has been uncovered in the woods of Moray, Scotland. David Hendry, a dedicated explorer based in Lossiemouth, is known for his passion for documenting historical sites from the Second World War and has made a name for himself by discovering hidden car wrecks. Recently, he stumbled upon the wheels of a Lockheed P-38 Lightning in Aberlour, a discovery that has sparked interest among aviation enthusiasts and historians alike.

The Lockheed P-38 Lightning: A Brief Overview

The Lockheed P-38 Lightning was a revolutionary single-seat fighter aircraft developed for the United States Army Air Corps. Officially introduced in 1940, it boasted an impressive speed that was 100 mph faster than any other fighter at the time. With a total of 10,037 units built, only 26 of these iconic planes have survived to this day, and a mere 10 are still capable of flight.

This rarity makes any parts associated with the P-38 incredibly valuable, with reports indicating that wheels from similar aircraft have fetched prices as high as $5,000 in the United States.

Uncovering the Mystery

David Hendry suspects that the wheels he found were abandoned by someone who was unaware of their historical significance and monetary value. He shared his thoughts with The Press and Journal, stating, “It’s very rare to find this aircraft in Scotland. It was not a crash site – it looks like they have been recently dumped – someone who probably didn’t realise its value.” He noted that the remains were located just off the road, which adds to the intrigue of how they ended up in such a location, especially since P-38s were not stationed in that area during the war.

Future Plans for the Discovery

Hendry plans to reach out to Moray’s Aviation Museum in Kinloss, hoping that the wheels can be preserved and displayed for the public to appreciate. His passion for exploration is evident, as he has previously uncovered over 100 classic cars hidden within the forests of Aberdeenshire and Moray. His dedication to uncovering the past not only brings history to light but also enriches the cultural landscape of the region.

A Passion for Exploration

David Hendry has expressed his deep fascination with forests, often venturing into them to discover hidden treasures. His obsession with exploring the depths of these natural landscapes has led him to uncover significant historical artifacts, making him a notable figure in the realm of amateur archaeology and exploration. As he continues his journey, the hope remains that more pieces of history will be found, shedding light on the past and preserving it for future generations.