The B-17F Black Jack, arguably the most impressive aircraft wreck in Papua New Guinea, lies undisturbed on a sandy seabed in deep water just off the fringing reef near the remote village of Boga Boga, on Cape Vogel.
With serial number 41-24521, Black Jack was among the first Flying Fortress bombers built at Boeing’s Seattle factory during World War II. Delivered to the U.S. Army in July 1942 at a cost of $314,109, it was flown to Australia to join the Pacific campaign.
Assigned to the 63rd Bombardment Squadron in Port Moresby, Black Jack took off from Port Moresby’s 7-Mile Airdrome on July 10, 1943, for what would become its final flight. After a harrowing mission, the aircraft crash-landed near Boga Boga. Its discovery 43 years later reads like something straight out of an adventure novel.
The Complete Guide to the B-17F Black Jack
The History of the B17F Black Jack Wreck
The history of the B-17F Black Jack wreck is a truly fascinating story, beginning in July 1942 when the completed aircraft, serial number 41-24521, was delivered to the U.S. Army. One of the first B-17F Flying Fortress bombers built at Boeing’s Seattle factory during World War II, Black Jack carried …
The Discovery of B-17F Black Jack Wreck
The discovery of B-17F Black Jack… The story of how the B-17F Black Jack was found reads like something straight out of an adventure novel. In late December 1986, three Australian divers – Rod Pierce, Bruce Johnson, and David Pennefather – stumbled upon the wreck almost by …
Diving the B-17F Black Jack Wreck
Diving the B-17F Black Jack Wreck is an incredible experience and what makes it truly special is its remarkable state of preservation. Resting upright on a sandy seabed in crystal-clear blue waters. With visibility often exceeding 40 meters, the scene is almost surreal, as if stepping into a perfectly staged …
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