Identification & Site Information
- Date of Incident: May 3, 1944
- Aircraft Type: Bell P-39Q Airacobra
- Operator: United States Army Air Force (USAAF)
- Registration: 44-71060
- Location: 1 mile offshore, Lake Ontario, near New York, USA
- Phase: Takeoff
- Nature of Incident: Military training or operational mission
- Fatalities: Not specified
- Damage: Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Aircraft Type Description
The Bell P-39Q Airacobra was a single-seat, mid-engine fighter aircraft widely used during World War II. Known for its distinctive design, the P-39Q featured a tricycle landing gear and a powerful 37mm nose cannon, which made it particularly effective in ground-attack roles and close air support. Its mid-engine configuration placed the engine behind the pilot, an unconventional design choice that provided unique handling characteristics but limited high-altitude performance.
The P-39Q was often employed in training missions in the United States, where it served to prepare pilots for active combat roles.
History of the Incident
On May 3, 1944, P-39Q Airacobra 44-71060 was involved in a fatal incident during takeoff from a location near Lake Ontario, New York. The aircraft crashed approximately 1 mile offshore, causing it to sink into the waters of Lake Ontario. The specific circumstances leading to the crash remain unclear from the available records but could include mechanical failure, pilot error, or adverse weather conditions, all of which were common causes of incidents during military training missions.
The aircraft was declared a Total Loss due to the crash, which damaged it beyond repair. No additional details about the pilot or potential fatalities were recorded in the source information.
Final Disposition
The wreckage of the P-39Q Airacobra 44-71060 remains submerged in Lake Ontario, approximately 1 mile offshore from its takeoff location. The exact coordinates of the site are not publicly disclosed, and there have been no reports of recovery efforts.
Legacy and Aftermath
The crash of P-39Q Airacobra 44-71060 highlights the risks inherent in military aviation training, particularly with high-performance aircraft like the P-39. Such incidents were not uncommon during World War II, as rigorous training schedules pushed both pilots and aircraft to their limits.
The site serves as an underwater memorial to the challenges and sacrifices associated with preparing for combat during the war. Efforts to study or recover such wrecks contribute valuable information to aviation history and deepen our understanding of military operations during this critical period.
Resources & Links
1. Aviation Safety Network: Occurrence #96985
2. Bell P-39 Airacobra Wiki: Background on the aircraft’s design and operational history.
3. Aviation Archaeology: Information on military crash sites in North America.
4. USAAF Historical Records: Documentation of World War II-era incidents and missions.
Keywords
P-39Q Airacobra, 44-71060, Lake Ontario, military aviation crash, WWII training mission, USAAF, Great Lakes aviation history, submerged aircraft wreck.
Conclusion
The crash of the P-39Q Airacobra 44-71060 near Lake Ontario on May 3, 1944, is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by military aviators during World War II. While the exact details of the incident remain unclear, the loss of the aircraft reflects the inherent risks of aviation training in wartime. The submerged wreck is a significant historical artifact, representing the sacrifices made in preparation for global conflict and the technological advancements of the era.