B-29 on lake bed

[systemofadown1162]

In this months issue of Air and Space magazine, there was an article of a B-29 found at the bottom of Lake Mead. Apparently since the lake is in a national park the National Park Service has the rights to the plane. The NPS is planning on making the plane a dive site, but since it is under 170' of water you would need to be deep diving certified and have special gear. The plane is in excellent condition because the darkness prevents marine growth and fresh water dosnt corrode the aluminum, so i want to know why they dont just raise the plane so more people would be able to see the plane.[/b]

[Wolverine]

You'll find that this one has been discussed on this forum a lot.

I find it sad it isn't going to be raised soon. It's a Wichita B-29 from what I understand.

[systemofadown1162]

Oh really. Obviously i just joined. It would seem more logical to raise it. Maybe they dont have the money. Guess ill just have to get my deep diving certification.lol

[Randy Haskin]

A Google of "Lake Mead B-29" yields lots of great info...

[systemofadown1162]

thank you! That first result has lots of info. Ill have to go back when i have more tim and read it thouroghly.

[Wolverine]

It's not really a matter of money, it's more a matter of who gets permission to raise it. Currently it's under the NPS (I think) protection, and they won't let anybody have it (other aircraft include the B-23 at Loon Lake and the B-17C in CA). If they were to give someone permission to raise it, then it would be a money problem. The aircraft isn't in great shape, the horizontal stabilazor is dangling, there are no engines, and there is a big hole in the side (That's off the top of my head).

[Shay]

The B-29 would still be in decent shape theses days if it weren't for some of the divers that the Park Service is protecting it for.

Shay
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