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The Kittyhawk P-40 was found in the Egyptian Sahara, 200 miles from the nearest town, after vanishing in 1942. It is thought to have been piloted by Flight Sergeant Dennis Copping, 24. He lost his bearings while flying the damaged plane between British bases during the North Africa campaign against Rommel’s forces.
Ft Sgt Copping is believed to have survived and initially used his parachute to shelter from the scorching desert heat before making a futile effort to walk to safety.
Signs of his makeshift camp were found beside the US-made Kittyhawk.
Now a hunt will be launched for his remains, which could be anywhere within a 20-mile radius.
And the RAF Museum at Hendon, North London, hopes to quickly recover the plane amid fears it may be stripped by tribesmen.
The plane, preserved by the arid climate, was discovered by a Polish oil company worker exploring the area. Historian Andy Saunders, of Hastings, East Sussex, said: “The aviation world is hugely excited about this discovery.
“It is a quite incredible time capsule — the aviation equivalent of Tutankhamun’s Tomb.”
Ft Sgt Copping, of Southend, Essex, was a member of the RAF’s 260 Squadron. It is not thought any immediate family members are left in the UK.