On Monday, April 8, 2013 I had the honor and privilege of speaking about the Hawaii Clipper to the Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Aviation Historical Society at the Smithsonian Udvar Hazy Museum. The time “flew” by but I think we had some excellent discussions about the mystery and the status of my research.
Thank you again to my new-found colleagues and I hope to see you all again soon!
Lost Clipper 
I enjoyed your presentation at the Hazy Center last Monday. I question the stealing of engine technology as a key motive for the Japanese to hijack the clipper. Mitsubishi had a license from Pratt and Whitney and Nakajima had a license from Gnome. Nakajima also developed a very successful twin row radial on their own which powered the Zero for several years! TheJapanese did not re-engine the Zero in 1942 when they captured DC-3’s with R1830’s. I think a more credible motive would help your story.
Paul
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Thank you Paul and I appreciate your comments. I too side with your theory however I did also say that (to me) a more plausible and leading factor in capturing the Hawaii Clipper would have been to intercept the three million dollars in gold bank notes on board. Doing so would keep the funds out of the hands of an enemy the Japanese were battling in China.
Be well and thanks again!
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Thank you for the update and for the,perseverance
Sent from my iPad
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