Rare World War II dive bomber raised from Calif reservoir 65 years after water crash
By APFriday, August 20, 2010
WWII warplane raised from California reservoir
SAN DIEGO — 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.
Salvage team member Taras Lyssenko says he has called a crane operator to hook it up and lift it out of the water.
The warplane will then be disassembled and trucked to Florida.
The SB2C Helldiver crashed in 1945 when the engine failed during a training flight. If it can be restored, it will be displayed at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
SAN DIEGO (AP) — 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.
Salvage team member Tara Lysenko says a crane operator has been called to hook it up and lift it out of the water.
The warplane will then be disassembled and trucked to Florida.
The SB2C Helldiver crashed in 1945 when the engine failed during a training flight. If it can be restored, it will be displayed at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola.
(This version CORRECTS APNewsNow. Corrects team member’s name to Taras Lyssenko. Will be updated.)
