Hi guys
Interesting discussion of an episode that is still rather unclear and the subject of much debate. One way that the conflicting accounts may be resolved would be by examining any existing photographs of this aircraft following the emergency landing and noting any damage to the engine cowl. If there is evidence of strikes to this area of the aircraft it would bolster the Russian version of events while the absence of such would appear to give credence to the post-war account of Meissler. Therefore, the question is if any such photographs clearly depicting the engine cowl exist? I have only seen the following two photographs of this machine as well as the ones where it is covered in white smoke during the propaganda film shooting where unfortunately the cowling is obscured. The first photograph displays the starboard side of the fighter quite well and no damage is apparent to me but it may have been taken prior to the capture or after the machine was repaired by the Russians. The second photograph depicts the possible victor Kaptain Pavel Tarasov (24 victories) being congratulated by General-Mayor Eugene Savitsky.
Horrido!
Leo