Allied – Lockheed P – 38 Lightning 1

The first American aircraft to crash on the island had the misfortune of flying too low in poor light levels as it flew over the south-western approach of Compton Bay, towards the downs, and it was unable to clear Compton Down itself. As a result, the aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing on the island.The plane caught fire as soon as it had hit the ground, and the pilot was never found.

   Note: All images are just representative of the aircraft and not specific

• All images are of similar aircraft and not the specific plane in question
• Wight Air Wrecks – A T Gilliam ISBN 0-7524-2376-2
• Battle in the Skies – H J Leal (IWCP)