1945 Helldiver SB2C-4 Plane Raised From Otay Reservior Lake
August 22, 2010 by Rob Hurlbut
Photo by Stephen G. Hurlbut Jr.
This weekend, my parents were in San Diego and my dad was able to grab some photos of a local event I was not able to attend. The event was the raising of a plane that crashed into Otay Lake in 1945. The plane is Curtiss SB2C-4 Helldiver Dive Bomber.
Photo by Stephen G. Hurlbut Jr.
On May 28, 1945, Navy pilot E.D. Frazar, and Army gunner, Joseph Metz were on a training mission in the air above Otay Reservoir in their Helldiver SB2C-4 when the engine cut out, as the Helldiver planes were prone to do, for reasons that have never been explained. Frazar, made the immediate decision to ditch the plane in Lower Otay Reservoir. Both Frazar and his completely-by-chance gunner, Metz had plenty of time to get out of the plane once it was in the lake. They swam to shore and hitchhiked back to their base. Ah, the 1940′s.
Photo By Stephen G. Hurlbut Jr.
Photo By Stephen G. Hurlbut Jr.
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Wow… I especially like the b&w shot!
My dad was the talent for this post… Now you all know where I get it from!