Lake Michigan's Sunken Aircraft
The approaching aircraft seems to be in trouble. Whether her landing gear is jammed or fuel supply low, she must be brought in so that other aircraft can land. She wafts in, touches down, spins, and ends up hanging over the starboard side of the flight deck. Once the crew is out, the plane is pushed overboard. Planes are more plentiful than crews these days, and those still in the air can't be risked for the sake of one crippled bird. As the first aircraft slips beneath the waves, another lands safe and sound....
This scene, or variations of it, must have been repeated many times throughout World War II. Such occurrences were not limited to the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, however. Many fighters, bombers, and torpedo bombers rest on the bottom of Lake Michigan.
In the early days of World War II, previously dormant American armaments productions accelerated. At this point the Navy was experiencing a shortage of pilots for all the aircraft that were coming off of the production lines, and using every training facility it had or could improvise. The passenger steamers Seeandbee and Greater Buffalo were converted to aircraft carriers and named the Wolverine and Sable respectively. These vessels were then deployed in the southernmost of North America's "Inland Seas," Lake Michigan. Many pilots perfected the fine art of carrier takeoff and landing from these flattops, in the shadow of the Chicago skyline.
Diving on these wrecks is a particular treat for the wreck diver for several reasons. Most Chicago area wrecks are wooden schooners dating to the 19th century, so 20th century aluminum aircraft provide quite a contrast. Secondly, the sunken warlords are a reminder of a vital chapter in American history, and it is thrilling to have them in one's "own back yard." In fact, some divers reside no more than an hour away from a trip back in time. Finally, there is the state of preservation of the aircraft. The cold waters of Lake Michigan have kept the planes in such fine condition that future generations should still be able to enjoy them for years to come. Untarnished fittings, intact hoses, even still-inflated tires, all add to the impression that these planes could someday fly again.
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The experience of diving these aircraft remains a rare experience, however. Even a relatively large aircraft like the TBF/TBD torpedo bomber makes a small target on the vast lake bottom. Thus, many of these relics of WW II continue to elude depthsounders and side scan sonar alike. Of the 300 or so aircraft reported to be scattered on the bottom of Lake Michigan, fewer than a half dozen have been located.
These sunken aircraft serve as another example of the rich heritage of sunken maritime history of southern Lake Michigan being discovered and brought to the attention of the public by local shipwreck hunters. Whether the aircraft were jettisoned from a flight deck or crashed directly into the lake, the dive, in one's imagination, becomes a visit to the past on a World War II battleground.
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Wisconsin
Marine Historical Society
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