Helldiver Discovered Near Tillamook!

Thanks to Pat Guthrie for spotting this one!

A World War II Navy aircraft was discovered by loggers on private land near Tillamook, Oregon on March 18, 2010.  The aircraft was a Curtis SB2C Helldiver.  Officials are still looking into it.  The pentagon has been notified.  There is little information on it at this point.  I intend to look through what I can find to see where this Helldiver came from.  It is fascinating that aircraft are still turning up from over 60 years ago.  Of course, this is a Navy wreck and they have always been stingy and stiff about their aircraft and ships.  Still, this is an interesting discovery and I look forward to more news on this subject!  Given a cursory exam, the remains seem to be painted a light blue and not the late war dark blue, one guesses that this may indeed be a war loss. You can see the story here.  and here. and here. and here.  And you can read another blogger's thoughts here.

and the Oregon State Police issued a statement:

News Release from: Oregon State Police
CAUTION AGAINST UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO WWII AIRCRAFT CRASH SITE IN TILLAMOOK COUNTY
Posted: March 25th, 2010 6:09 PM

While the assessment of the aircraft crash site in Tillamook County continues, investigators and the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has a message of caution to those who are unauthorized to access the area.

Since the discovery of what is believed to be a World War II-era aircraft crash site March 18, the SHPO has also been involved with early on-scene assessment of the scene and debris. Following this afternoon's announcement, several media representatives have asked for the exact location of the site. That information is not being released for reasons of safety and scene integrity, as well as keeping unauthorized people from the area.

SHPO Archeologist Matthew Diederich advised that it is a violation of State Law (ORS 358.905-955) to alter, damage, or remove material from this archaeological site. Violators will be prosecuted.


Up-date here, March, 28, 2010.