Infos/details about Wabash Cannonball III
 

Hello/Bonjour,

I am looking for the type and serial number of the aircraft named “Wabash Cannonball III”, likely a P-61 Black Widow, though I cannot say for certain. The “Wabash Cannonball IV” of the 425th Night Fighter Squadron is well-documented, but what about its predecessor? According to its pilot, Leon G. Lewis (his account), the latter was reportedly lost in Europe.

Best regards,
Frederic

Re: Infos/details about Wabash Cannonball III
 

I can't help much but Canonball IV was 42-5580, condemned salvaged May 24, 1946.
https://americanarchive.iwm.org.uk/a...rcraft/44-5580 The serial number "44" is a mistake.


If you do a search (Ctrl F) for 425th you will get 12 hits for the various aircraft in the Squadron. There may be more, just not identified on this list.
https://www.aircraftinformation.info...ls/1942_1.html


If you type in 425NFS in the Squadron box you will get various information on Accidents and MACR's.
https://www.aviationarchaeology.com/dbSearchAF55.asp
https://www.aviationarchaeology.com/dbSearchAFMACR.asp

Re: Infos/details about Wabash Cannonball III
 

Hello/Bonjour Revi16,

Thank you for the answer and all these links. However, even when they provide serial numbers or other details, the aircraft’s nickname is not always listed. I have since found on the Web an aircraft that might match, though I cannot be certain: the YP-61 41-18880, which was lost by the 425th NFS on March 10, 1944. Damaged beyond repair.

Best regards,
Frederic

Re: Infos/details about Wabash Cannonball III
 

I find that very doubtful Frederic

41-18880 was assigned to 425NFS for training 25 Feb 1944 and was lost two weeks later on 10 March

There is no indication it was ever flown by Lewis during this time.

Cheers
Stig