North American Harvard Mk. I – Identification & Site Information

  • Aircraft Name: North American Harvard Mk. I
  • Serial Number: 1344 (NA-61/61-1648)
  • Type: Single-Engine Advanced Trainer Aircraft
  • Location:Bay of Quinte, Ontario
  • Date of Wreck: February 15, 1941
  • Cause of Wreck: Crashed during a training mission

Aircraft Type Description

The North American Harvard Mk. I was a vital training platform for Allied air forces, particularly during World War II. Known for its rugged design, this low-wing monoplane was equipped with tandem cockpits for the instructor and trainee. Its durable construction and powerful engine made it ideal for preparing pilots for the complexities of combat aircraft. The Harvard Mk. I was extensively used by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, which trained thousands of pilots during the war.

Historical Context and Crash Overview

Commissioning and Service:

  • The Harvard Mk. I, Serial No. 1344, was acquired by the RCAF on December 1, 1939, at Camp Borden.
  • It sustained Category C damage during transit to Camp Borden in November 1939 but was repaired and operational by the end of the month.
  • Over the following months, it was deployed at key training facilities, including Trenton and the Central Flying School.

Incident Details:

On the morning of February 15, 1941, the Harvard Mk. I took off for a routine training mission. At 10:10 AM, the aircraft crashed into the Bay of Quinte, marking the end of its operational service. At the time of the crash, the aircraft had logged a total of 795 hours and 45 minutes of flight time. The exact cause of the crash remains undocumented, but the event underscores the inherent dangers of wartime training operations.

Final Disposition

The aircraft was declared a Total Loss and officially struck off charge on March 7, 1941. The wreckage remains at the bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg of the Bay of Quinte, undisturbed and serving as a submerged historical artifact of the RCAF’s training efforts during World War II.

Current Condition & Accessibility

  • Location: The wreck lies submerged in the Bay of Quinte, with its precise location known since the crash.
  • Condition: Likely intact due to the cold, fresh waters of Lake Ontario, which can preserve submerged artifacts.
  • Accessibility: The site is a potential point of interest for underwater exploration but may require permissions and expertise due to its historical significance.

NOTMARs & Advisories

While there are no direct Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to this specific site, caution is advised for any underwater activities in the Bay of Quinte due to the presence of various submerged hazards.

Resources & Links

  • RCAF Archives: Detailed records of the Harvard Mk. I and its training operations.
  • Maritime History of the Great Lakes: For broader historical context about the Bay of Quinte and surrounding areas.
  • Canadian Aviation Museums: Many exhibits include artifacts and detailed histories of aircraft like the Harvard Mk. I.

Conclusion

The crash of the Harvard Mk. I in the Bay of Quinte serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by aviators during training operations. While non-combat incidents like this are often overshadowed by wartime heroics, they are no less significant in the broader narrative of World War II aviation history. The aircraft contributed to the RCAF’s critical mission of preparing pilots for combat, and its story underscores the sacrifices made even in training for the ultimate goal of victory.

Keywords

Harvard Mk. I, North American Aviation, RCAF, Bay of Quinte, Aircraft Training Accident, World War II Aviation, Canadian Aviation History, Submerged Aircraft.