Identifying new WW2 wreck off Pt Loma, San Diego

[beldridg]

Well the wing looked like one from a P-51 but the radial engine rules that out

The wing also looks like one from a T-28 trojan. The later versions had a 3 bladed prop.

The curve ball is the .50 cal in the wing - the only US aircraft I can find configured like this is a TBF Avenger

The twin row engine would fit the Avenger description

What's your thoughts?

Our current thought is still a TBM/F-1.

- brett

 

[beldridg]

oil coolers!

View attachment 667061

Yes, this was also a diagram we saw that gave us more confidence in the TBM/F-1. It also helps differentiate the dash-1 from the dash-3.

Regards,

- brett

 

[beldridg]

Way cool!

Thanks. It isn't a great model, I'm trying to make a better one but the visibility was really bad on both dives and building a model from photos in those conditions is challenging.

- brett

 

[FLYBOYJ]

Our current thought is still a TBM/F-1.

- brett

After beating up the NA P-51 or T-28 theory, I agree, especially when seeing the wreck in 3D (great stuff). The engine mount really gives it away.

 

[beldridg]

Here is a "better" model of just the starboard wing. Note the gun, the square hole in the wing near the root. Also the exposed ribs might offer a clue. There is also an interesting "rod" sticking out onto the wing from the cockpit area.

Unknown Airplane (stbd side) - Pt Loma - 3D model by Brett Eldridge (@beldridg)

Unknown Airplane (stbd side) - Pt Loma - 3D model by Brett Eldridge (@beldridg)

sketchfab.com

- brett

 

[Capt. Vick]

There is a "scalloped" section missing from the top rear of the wing near the fuselage that appears to be the same shape that folds up and forward on the top of the outer wing section. This says to me Grumman unique wing folding geometry.

 

[FLYBOYJ]

There is a "scalloped" section missing from the top rear of the wing near the fuselage that appears to be the same shape that folds up and forward on the top of the outer wing section. This says to me Grumman unique wing folding geometry.

Yep - finally found a pic with the wing partially folded

 

[FLYBOYJ]

Now the big question - when did it crash?

 

[SaparotRob]

This Forum is amazing.

 

[beldridg]

Now the big question - when did it crash?

We have 2-3 candidate airplanes based on research (war diaries, accident reports, etc). We are trying to narrow it down. However, I kinda doubt we will ever get 100% certainty based on the current evidence. We will likely need a bureau number (or equivalent) and given the state of the wreck, it is unlikely to find it.

- brett

 

[ARTESH]

I hope the crew were able to scape / eject and saved!

I did not see you mention to find bones / remains.

 

[Snautzer01]

We have 2-3 candidate airplanes based on research (war diaries, accident reports, etc). We are trying to narrow it down. However, I kinda doubt we will ever get 100% certainty based on the current evidence. We will likely need a bureau number (or equivalent) and given the state of the wreck, it is unlikely to find it.

- brett

Well post the candidates sjeez

 

[beldridg]

Well post the candidates sjeez

We just wanted to get one last accident report which we got this afternoon and it matches the wreck in terms of location and situation (prop not bent - likely a stall).

I will finish my blog post with all the details, photos, etc and post it on Monday when I get back from my trip.

I'll post the link here once the story is posted.

Thanks everybody for your help.

We have found other airplanes and even a helicopter in the San Diego area and have others we are hunting down and hope to find and identify.

Regards,

Brett

 

[beldridg]

I hope the crew were able to scape / eject and saved!

I did not see you mention to find bones / remains.

He did get out and was rescued. Stay tuned for the whole story in a few days.

Brett

 

[FLYBOYJ]

Glad we can help Brett!

 

[Greg Boeser]

For the whole thread.

 

[drgondog]

Sorry for all these posts - here's a site that restored a T-28, take a good look at the wings!

RARE BIRD AVIATION

AIRCRAFT RESTORATION, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION, REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE, HISTORIC FLIGHT OPERATION in Austria, Europe. Classic airplanes restoration, covering all historic airplanes during the period of 1920 - 1930 - 1940. Aircraft for sale! Historische Flugzeug Restaurationen aus den Anfängen der...

www.rarebird.eu

The only disconnect I see is the engine - the T-28 had a singe row radial. Are we sure this wreck's engine is a twin-row radial?

The T-28s modified for Air America/VNAF had R-2800s

 

[beldridg]

As promised, here is a link to the full article with all of the pictures and links to two different photogrammetry models.

We have more projects in the works so stay tuned.

If you sign up for the blog, you will get an email whenever I post (it is usually only 2-3 posts/month). I have a trip to Vis, Croatia and then Malta coming up so hopefully I'll be posting some more cool underwater airplane wreck photos.

Enjoy and feedback is welcome:

“Full Stall Landing” — TBF-1C Avenger (Point Loma — 150 fsw)

Background We believe that we have located, dived and identified a new WW II TBF-1C Avenger (Bureau Number 24272) airplane wreck in Southern California off of Point Loma. A couple months ago, Tyler…

wreckedinmyrevo.com

Regards,

- brett

 

[mjfur]

The T-28s modified for Air America/VNAF had R-2800s

Huh?

 

[drgondog]

Huh?

Heresay. My father ran American Airmotive in the early 60s after retiring from USAF. They bid on the conversion to 1820's and I heard that Pacific Airmotive converted two T-28B, up-engined to R-2800 for French/VNAF trials. Have no more details or facts.