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March 25, 2010

Helldiver Wreckage Discovered in Oregon Woods Email this article |
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By Glenn Pew, Contributing Editor, Video Editor








Wreckage of a Curtiss SB2C Helldiver single-engine dive bomber has
been discovered in privately owned woods near Rockaway Beach, Oregon,
but its origins and crew remain to be identified. The World War II-era
aircraft's wreckage was originally spotted by employees of a logging
company on March 18. The wreckage covers approximately 200 yards and
early responders did report the possibility of human remains at the
site. Among the more clearly identifiable aircraft debris at the site
are a wing, the tail section, and landing gear. Officials have not
found any unexploded ordnance mixed in with the wreckage but are
attempting to secure the site while the investigation continues. Navy
personnel, in coordination with Oregon State Police and the county
Sheriff's office are working together on the investigation. The team
has sought input from the Joint Prisoner of War / Missing In Action
Accounting Command in Honolulu.

What was once the Naval Air Station at Tillamook is located nearly 20
miles from the crash site, but investigators have not yet determined
if that was the aircraft's station of origin. The air station was
decommissioned in 1948. The Helldiver was operated by a crew of two
and could carry 1,000 pounds of bombs, deliver depth charges, or an
internally carried torpedo. It entered service in 1943, flying behind
a 1,900 horsepower Wright Cyclone radial. The Commemorative Air Force
believes it operates the only remaining flying example. Known by its
crew as the "big-tailed beast," the World War II-era Navy plane has
been credited by some as causing the destruction of more Japanese
targets than any other aircraft of the war. The Commemorative Air
Force believes it operates the world's only remaining flying example.