Otay Reservoir SB2C-The recovery operation has begun!!!

[Pat Carry]

Great job!

[maxum96]

Anybody know what all that white paper is on the rear of the aircraft? Is that some sort of absorbent towels to soak in any fluids released or deflated airbags?

Judging from past recoveries, it's to sop up any oil/fuel which escapes the aircraft. The boom around the plane is also part of that effort.

Cheers,
Richard

That's exactly what they are. They resemble the lining of a disposable baby diaper. In fact, when I worked in the petroleum industry we called them "diapers". Due to the fact that Otay Reservoir is a source of drinking water for San Diego, they can't allow residual oil or fuel seep into the reservoir. With the exception of 2 other drinking water reservoirs in San Diego County, they don't even allow body contact (water skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, etc) with the water.

[Jesse C.]

Went to take a look at her this morning and this is what I saw.

[Jesse C.]

[Jesse C.]

I wanted this for a mantle piece!


This guy claimed some of you know him and he wanted to say "Hi!"

[seaknight15]

Pop on an a new QEC and prop, Give it a wash and wax and away we go, Serious Congrats to all involved. Another piece of history saved.

[shepsair]

Jesse

Great photos of the strip down. Wanted to be there but am 9 hours flying and 4 hours driving away and a day job with no holiday left kinda put a spanner in the works!

Went to the Hellcat lift November 2009. That was good - lots found including the VF-38 emblem. Maybe the next one from Lake Michigan I'll be able to wangle.

So much information is there but you can only see it when the aircraft is in front of you.

For an 'anorak' who likes the information when writing up.

Both 20mm wing cannons are in place though 0.3" twins to gunners location were not in place.
Rocket rails on the wings.
Pitot and antenna surviving.
Nice perforated slates - new on the C-4.
19866 on the fin - anyone notice the side number painted below - looks like a '10'? Assume this from VF-14 (but what about markings for VF-84 (Oct-Dev 44).
Also the number on the port side, front of the cockpit '1' (could be 10 again)?
Tr-colour scheme? Assume so.
Engine number should be there on the remains of the crank case. Hopefully this will not be lost.

Hopefully will be able to get all of this at Pensacola when she is cleaned further.

regards

Mark

PS - Taras in his element - lake mud and silt!

[michaelharadon]

Wow. Beautiful. Congratulations to all those who rescued her!

You can't ask for too much more than that except its crazy how the water landing bent the pitot tube like that...

[mustangdriver]

Very cool. Congrats to all!!

[RMAllnutt]

Wow. Beautiful. Congratulations to all those who rescued her!

You can't ask for too much more than that except its crazy how the water landing bent the pitot tube like that...

That's how a Helldiver's pitot tube normally looks...

This aircraft, barring the nose damage, looks almost like it would have if someone lowered it gently to the bottom of the lake last year.... not 60+ years ago. I am sure there is more corrosion there than is apparent, but boy... the structure looks almost perfect!

Way to go with a flawless recovery operation!

Cheers,
Richard

[Cherrybomber13]

It's sad the Helldiver is in better shape than our Corsair
Seriously though really Great Work to all involved.
Cant wait to see her all washed up and de-mudded.

[Jerry O'Neill]

Wow!
So that's what a set of an SB2C gear doors looks like!
Nice job to everyone involved. Can't wait to see the finished airframe.
Jerry

[Second Air Force]

Wow!
So that's what a set of an SB2C gear doors looks like!
Jerry

I thought the exact same thing.

It's amazing that the Yagi antennae are still intact after the ditching.

Great job to all involved!
Scott

[DaveM2]

Super job by the team once again-congrats to A & T, San Diego officials and lets not forget the US Navy who made it possible by allowing the recovery. What can top this as far as Navy birds go from US wates go- Corsair maybe

Dave

[tom d. friedman]

excellent work!! congrats to the salvors!! i'm sure more interesting goodies will surface as the cleaning progresses!!