Wreckage of the US aircraft. A Telegraph picture

Itanagar, Nov. 28: A three-member expedition team to the remote Etta Hill in Bhismaknagar under Lower Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh has stumbled upon the wreckage of a US fighter aircraft that went missing during World War II.

The team, comprising Pachu Pulu, Ipra Mekola and Pradesh Pai, spotted the wreckage last week after ploughing through inaccessible terrain.

Mekola is a businessmen based at Deopani near the district headquarters at Roing. Pulu is a farmer based at Bhismaknagar, located nearly 600km from Itanagar. Rai was their assistant in the expedition.

Pulu and Mekola heard of the amruhu hrusu (exploding fireball) — that crashlanded on Etta Hill, some 5,000 metres above Bhismaknagar town nearly 60 years back — from their late grandfathers.

“It was discovery of a lifetime — braving tortuous hill slopes and arduous rocky mountains, crossing the Dipu, Chipu and the Chiu rivers and trekking a distance of 70km in three days.

“We were told to refrain from the expedition that was full of danger because of slippery rocky paths and evil sprit. After crossing the rivers, our tired legs and aching bodies almost refused. Our strong will, however, prompted us to advance further that resulted in the discovery of the wreckage of the US fighter aircraft,” Pulu told The Telegraph over phone from Bhismaknagar today.

It took them three days to find the wreckage.

Under the canopy of leafy branches they spotted a shining metallic object.

When Mekola lifted the thick foliage, the unmistakable insignia of Allied Forces became apparent. They found parts of the aircraft littered around. Three rusted shoes, helmets, and skeletal remains besides a chain were also spotted.

A part of the wreckage bore multiple holes and AILERON CEAS.. was inscribed on another.

The recent discovery is the third of many US aircraft that went missing in the state.

The discovery of the wreckage of the plane has fuelled the hope of three Americans, all relatives of a US fighter commander who went missing during World War II.

“The three who were touring the neighbouring Lohit district visited Bhismaknagar after coming to know about the discovery. They approached me and Mekola and expressed their interest to visit the place. I accompanied them to a point from where we could not advance because of inclement weather and fatigue,” Pulu said.