The Richard I. Bong Center is organizing an expedition for the to search for the famous Lockheed P-38 Lightning, “Marge”. The aircraft crashed in Papa New Guinea 80 years ago. The historical center is partnering with Pacific Wrecks, a non-profit organization dedicated to the documenting war wreckage.

Justine Taylan, the Director of Pacific Wrecks, said finding missing plane pieces will be difficult but not impossible.

“After the passage of 80 years, some of them are gone forever. But despite that, many planes do exist, especially ones that are not as intact and not as obvious,” Taylan said. “Hopefully, the area where Marge crashed is remote enough, there will be an amazing discovery to be made.”

The expedition will happen in May of this year and could take up to 30 day exploring Papa New Guinea for the missing aircraft.

“Every year we try to mount at least one expedition to go back to the places where the war was served,” Taylan said. “Understanding that these artifacts are not gonna necessarily remain forever. It’s very important to document them, capture their stories and history and photos, site surveys. to share them with the world.”

Briana Fiandt, the Curator of Collections and Exhibits at the Bong Center, said they have been organizing the expedition since last year. Discovering the crashed aircraft would be monumental for preserving history.

“It would be a little bit like bringing Richard Bond back to Poplar. I know his family is very excited, but I’m also thinking more long-term,” Fiandt said. “I am really excited about the potential benefits down the road partnering with the National Museum to share exhibits. Getting a sister city program put together with the village that’s closest to the plane wreck.”

Fiandt also said there will be a planned livestream event when the expedition locates the missing aircraft. Also for other stories with the Bong Center you can read more here.