Drought makes Lake Mead B29 accessible

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By: Moggy C - 18th July 2015 at 11:57

Lowering water levels have brought a drowned Superfortress within dive-able depth.

The lake’s most recent drought-related comeback is the World War II-era bomber. The massive plane crashed during a test flight in 1948 and for years remained a mystery under 260 feet of water. Today, it’s just 120 feet down, prompting the National Park Service to give the all-clear to reopen the wreckage to divers. More light and proximity to the surface has meant curious visitors need less technical training to take a peek, giving recreational divers unprecedented access. Scuba Training and Technology, the only company permitted to tour the well-preserved wreckage, reports an uptick in business.

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By: Bob - 18th July 2015 at 17:20 - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00

Flown into Vegas every year for the last 4 years and each time the level in Lake Mead has been dropping quite markedly - the almost white 'demarcation' band between the high and low (current) levels is very obvious.

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By: Wings43 - 18th July 2015 at 18:23 - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00

Is this aircraft a contender to be raised or is a B29 not a rare enough aircraft when so many other examples exist?

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By: DoraNineFan - 18th July 2015 at 18:43 - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00

Is this aircraft a contender to be raised or is a B29 not a rare enough aircraft when so many other examples exist?

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I believe that it is on National Park Service land and they may not be interested in a recovery unless someone can persuade them. No better time than now with the low water levels, even if it becomes static display for more Lake Mead visitors to see.

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By: Bob - 18th July 2015 at 22:53 - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00

If Vegas keeps using water at the rate they are, it will be towed out before long....

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By: Flying_Pencil - 22nd July 2015 at 00:58 - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00

If Vegas keeps using water at the rate they are, it will be towed out before long....

You mean the SW corner of USA.
There is more water in Sahara desert than in California/Nevada right now.