Sunken World War II dive bomber lifted from bottom of California reservoir

Crashed WWII dive bomber raised from CA reservoir

SAN DIEGO — Divers have raised a rare World War II dive bomber to the surface of a San Diego reservoir, and a member of the salvage team says the long-sunken aircraft appears to be intact.

The crew’s next step Friday is to move the aircraft from the surface of the water to shore.

The SB2C Helldiver was dislodged from the reservoir floor and brought to the surface after divers spent two days in zero-visibility water removing mud and debris that was holding the plane down.

The plane crashed in 1945 after the engine failed during a training flight. It is one of only a handful still in existence. If it can be restored, it will be displayed at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Fla.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Salvage divers have dislodged a rare World War II dive bomber from the floor of a San Diego reservoir and are primed to hoist it up and out of the water.

A crew member says workers are securing loose parts and then will bring the SB2C Helldiver to shore. He says without complications, the plane could be on shore by noon Friday.

Crews spent Wednesday and Thursday working in zero visibility to remove mud and debris that was holding the plane down on the reservoir bottom.

The plane crashed in 1945 after the engine failed during a training flight. It is one of only a handful still in existence. If it can be restored, it will be displayed at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Fla.