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March 25, 2010

Helldiver Wreckage Discovered in Oregon Woods Email this article |Print this article

By Glenn Pew, Contributing Editor, Video Editor

Wreckage of a Curtiss SB2C Helldiver single-engine dive bomber has been discovered in privately owned woods near Rockaway Beach, Oregon, but its origins and crew remain to be identified. The World War II-era aircraft's wreckage was originally spotted by employees of a logging company on March 18. The wreckage covers approximately 200 yards and early responders did report the possibility of human remains at the site. Among the more clearly identifiable aircraft debris at the site are a wing, the tail section, and landing gear. Officials have not found any unexploded ordnance mixed in with the wreckage but are attempting to secure the site while the investigation continues. Navy personnel, in coordination with Oregon State Police and the county Sheriff's office are working together on the investigation. The team has sought input from the Joint Prisoner of War / Missing In Action Accounting Command in Honolulu.

What was once the Naval Air Station at Tillamook is located nearly 20 miles from the crash site, but investigators have not yet determined if that was the aircraft's station of origin. The air station was decommissioned in 1948. The Helldiver was operated by a crew of two and could carry 1,000 pounds of bombs, deliver depth charges, or an internally carried torpedo. It entered service in 1943, flying behind a 1,900 horsepower Wright Cyclone radial. The Commemorative Air Force believes it operates the only remaining flying example. Known by its crew as the \"big-tailed beast,\" the World War II-era Navy plane has been credited by some as causing the destruction of more Japanese targets than any other aircraft of the war. The Commemorative Air Force believes it operates the world's only remaining flying example.

Intresting story. But also a little bit strange.
Did nobody missed this plane in those days? Nobody searched than?
For the family's is it an end of a long missing of their father/son/brother.

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73-1664

Without a smoke plume to follow, it's entirely possible to lose/miss an aircraft in those densely forrested areas, Dutchy. Similar to planes being found decades later in the jungles of the Pacific. Will be good, though, if a family can have closure.

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\"Those who hammer their guns into plows
will plow for those who do not.\"
- Thomas Jefferson

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\"I dream of a better tomorrow, where chickens can cross the road and not be questioned about their motives\"

There's a crash site in the mountains near Tucson I'd heard about when I was at DM. Me and some friends hiked out to the site. After all the years, even in the desert, the site was nearly impossible to find. Nature really has a knack for reclaiming what we leave behind.

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Slow is Fast, Fast is Slow
Violence may not be the best option, but it IS an option

Dutchy, I read somewhere that since WWII there have been MANY (in the hundreds) personal aircraft that have gone down in the mountainous wilderness areas in the U.S. that despite even modern technologies, were never found.
Which incidentally, re-affirms my belief that Big Foot is a possibility---if we can't find big white planes in the woods, how hard would it be to hide yourself if you didn't WANT to be found, especially if you are so well camo'd??

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\"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a GAU-8/A at your side, kid.\"--Hawg Solo