Lake Michigan is home to a significant number of aircraft wrecks, primarily from World War II-era training exercises and a few commercial airliner accidents. These wrecks offer a unique glimpse into the past, providing valuable insights into the history of aviation and the challenges faced by pilots during that era.
WWII-Era Aircraft Wrecks
During World War II, the U.S. Navy used Lake Michigan as a training ground for carrier pilots, operating from the USS Wolverine and USS Sable, two converted passenger steamers. These vessels were used to train over 17,000 pilots, including former President George H.W. Bush. Unfortunately, this training program resulted in the loss of approximately 120 World War II-era aircraft, which now rest at the bottom of Lake Michigan.
The types of aircraft lost include:
| Aircraft Type | Number Lost |
|---|---|
| TBM/TBF Avengers | – |
| F4U Corsairs | – |
| SBD Dauntless | – |
| F6F Hellcats | – |
| SNJ Texans | – |
| SB2U Vindicators | – |
| FM/F4F Wildcats | – |
| Experimental Drones (TDNs) | – |
Although many of the aircraft were recovered, over 100 remain on the lake floor. The cold, fresh waters of Lake Michigan have preserved the aircraft in good condition, making them valuable for historical research and identification.
Northwest Airlines Flight 2501
On June 23, 1950, Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 2501, a DC-4, disappeared over Lake Michigan while carrying 55 passengers and three crew members. All 58 people on board were lost, making it the deadliest commercial airliner accident in America at the time.
The aircraft was last reported at approximately 3,500 feet over Lake Michigan, 18 miles north-northwest of Benton Harbor, Michigan, when flight controllers lost radio contact. Despite extensive searches, including sonar and trawling the lake bottom, the wreckage was never found. Light debris, upholstery, and human body fragments were found floating on the surface, but the cause of the crash remains undetermined.
Other Aircraft Wrecks
In addition to the WWII-era aircraft and the Northwest Airlines Flight 2501, there are other notable aircraft wrecks in the Great Lakes region:
- Several aircraft flown by Tuskegee airmen and Free French pilots were lost in Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair during World War II training exercises. Some of these wrecks have been discovered, but many remain hidden.
- Two Bell P-39Q Airacobras, lost in training accidents, were recently discovered in Michigan waters.
Current Status and Preservation
The Naval History and Heritage Command is leading an initiative to find and preserve the sunken aircraft in Lake Michigan. NOAA has supported surveys to locate and map the wrecks, and some have been confirmed by divers. These aircraft wrecks represent a significant piece of history, providing valuable insights into World War II-era aviation and training practices.
References:
– Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 2501 – Wikipedia
– Great Lakes Search for Sunken Planes – Great Harbour Trawlers
– The Navy’s Historic Aircraft Wrecks in Lake Michigan
– World War II Aircraft Lost in the Great Lakes – NOAA Ocean Exploration