Wreck Report: Bell P-39Q Airacobra Discoveries

Aircraft Identification

  • Name: Bell P-39Q Airacobra
  • Registry: U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF)
  • Type: Single-Engine Fighter Aircraft
  • Manufacturer: Bell Aircraft Corporation
  • Year Built: Early 1940s

Historical Context

The Bell P-39Q Airacobra was a revolutionary single-engine fighter aircraft used extensively during World War II. It featured a unique design with the engine mounted in the fuselage’s center and a tricycle landing gear. The aircraft was armed with a 37mm nose cannon and .50 caliber machine guns, making it a formidable asset for both air-to-air combat and ground attacks.

Two P-39Q Airacobras have been recently discovered in Michigan waters, both lost during World War II training missions. These aircraft were part of pilot training programs conducted around the Great Lakes, as the region provided a relatively safe environment for young aviators to practice.

One notable wreck is linked to Lt. Frank Moody, who tragically perished when his Airacobra crashed north of Port Huron, Michigan, on April 11, 1944. Lt. Moody, an African-American pilot and a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, was one of many aviators preparing for combat duty during the war.

Wreck Site Information

Wreck 1: Lt. Frank Moody’s P-39Q

• Location: North of Port Huron, Lake Huron, Michigan

• Depth: Not publicly disclosed

• Condition:

• The wreck is reportedly well-preserved due to the cold, freshwater environment.

• Remnants of the cockpit, engine, and propeller are visible, along with the iconic nose-mounted 37mm cannon.

Wreck 2: Second P-39Q Discovery

• Location: St. Clair River

• Condition:

• Similar to Lt. Moody’s Airacobra, this wreck remains largely intact, offering valuable historical and archaeological insights.

Significance

These discoveries are significant for multiple reasons:

• Historical Importance:

• The wreck of Lt. Moody’s aircraft is a poignant reminder of the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American military aviators in U.S. history.

• Both wrecks highlight the rigorous training efforts and sacrifices made on the home front during World War II.

• Technological Insights:

• The intact remains of the P-39Q Airacobra provide an opportunity to study the design and engineering of this unique mid-engine aircraft.

• Archaeological Value:

• These sites offer well-preserved artifacts, from cockpit instruments to weapon systems, reflecting mid-20th-century aviation technology.

Diving Notes & Preservation

• Access:

• The exact locations and depths of the wrecks remain undisclosed to protect the sites from unauthorized disturbances.

• These wrecks are considered military gravesites, and as such, diving is typically restricted or highly regulated.

• Preservation Status:

• Both wrecks are protected under U.S. and Michigan heritage laws.

• Efforts are ongoing to document and preserve these wrecks, ensuring their stories are remembered for future generations.

Related Links and Resources

3D Model of Door recovered under Licence

Tuskegee P39Q Airacobra Door by Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary on Sketchfab

Keywords:

P-39Q Airacobra, Lt. Frank Moody, Tuskegee Airmen, Lake Huron aviation wrecks, World War II training accidents, Michigan military aviation history.