Identify German aeroplane-but caution as to dead pilot

[charles]

I am trying to identify the type of German aircraft shown in the attached photograph from the Gorrell collection in the National Archives (U.S.A.) as well as the pilot who lies dead within the wreckage of his airplane. Please bear in mind that this is a particularly gruesome photo and I apologize for that, but fair warning before you click on the image below and enlarge it.

Note the number “2247” stamped on the wood spar about middle of the photo.

A larger version of this photo can be seen by inserting this URL in your browser: http://www.aeroconservancy.com/aerod...ell_287-U8.jpg or simply click on it here.

The photo is identified as 287-U8 on page 13 of Volume M: Miscellaneous, 7: Titles for Still Pictures of Air Service Subjects AND Photographs of Air Service Subjects, Page 13 as “287-U8 German aeroplane brought down near Cantigny, Cantigny, France, May 31st, 1918.”

Once I know the type of aircraft I hope to track down the pilot from the list of losses in the book "German Air Service War Chronology. It would help to know his rank. The front of his collar appears to indicate that he is a VFW but I am unaware of what the rear of the collar insignia denotes. Would this indicate that he was in a unit of a particular area, Bavarian, Prussian, and so forth? That would help to narrow down which pilot it is.

If you would like to suggest the type of aircraft, please explain how specifically you reached that conclusion.

Thanks very much for your help.