SB2C-4 Helldiver

[JWright]

I know this is not Arizona news, but I thought, as aviation aficionados, the members here would be interested in this...

A rare SB2C-4 Helldiver was recovered from the waters of Lower Otay Reservoir yesterday.   Below is the link to my gallery of images of the recovery, more of which will be posted as I process them.

http://johnwright.smugmug.com/Military/Aircraft/SB2C-4-Helldiver-Recovery/13430546_QZ4m5#977403831_9q9Wd

[jslugman]

Isn't this like the only -4 known to exist? I thought I read something on it last week that mentioned it.

[JWright]

I believe so...  I think there's something like five SB2Cs of all dash numbers left in existence and only one is flying.

[wingsnstuff]

The following note was posted in my Daily AIAA News Letter.  Thought someone might be interested.

"The AP (8/23) reported, "Salvage divers have raised a rare World War II dive bomber from the bottom of a San Diego reservoir where it crashed 65 years ago and are waiting for a crane to lift it from the water's edge and onto shore. The aircraft was brought to the surface Friday after days of work to free it from mud on the floor of the reservoir." The AP notes the SB2C Helldiver crashed in 1945 when the engine failed during a training flight."  AIAA Daily Launch News Letter

[Dave S.]

Vance,

I went ahead and merged your thread with the one JWright had started, as they were both on the same subject.

- Dave S.

[wingsnstuff]

Thanks Dave.  I missed that other thread.

[JWright]

The rest of my pictures from the recovery are at:  http://johnwright.smugmug.com/Military/Aircraft/SB2C-4-Helldiver-Recovery

[jslugman]

Excellent images, what a cool event to be present at!