Date

Location

Force

Aircraft

From-To

Crew

27-12-1942

Lisbon Airport

USAAF   81FG

Bell P-39L / P-400 Aircobra     

Land's End (GB) → Port Lyautey (Marroco)

Lt. Cor  Kenneth Wade     USA

The pilot was commander of the squadron of Aircobras that left of England towards North Africa, but he became disoriented when he arrived in south of Portugal. Instead of turning to the Mediterranean he took the direction of the Atlantic.

With the fuel running out he turned back but could not reach Gibraltar. With the almost empty deposits he decided to land in Lisbon Airport.

Several pilots who landed in Portugal that day were following the squadron commander, believing that he knew where to turn.

Wade was interned at Elvas with the remaining elements of the squadron.

Aircraft integrated the OK squadron of the portuguese Military Aeronautics.

Resources:
 *“Aviões da Cruz de Cristo” – Mário Canongia Lopes
* "Spitfires e Hurricanes  em Portugal" -Mário Canongia Lopes
* Bill Littlejhohn