WWII plane wreckage found on coast; crew remains may exist

WHEELER, Ore. - In a heavily wooded area somewhere near this small coastal town, a piece of World War II history was found scattered in dozens of pieces - hidden for more than 60 years - and unknown until last week.

According to local officials and the U.S. Navy, the find is a Curtiss SB2C Helldiver, the Navy’s primary attack and bombing plane during World War II. Even more intriguing, is that it may also contain remains of the two crew members.

Loggers discovered the wing, tail section, and the landing gear on March 18 scattered over 200 yards in dense forest. Based on the model number, it likely went down some time after 1945.

The military won’t reveal the exact location of the aircraft, because it doesn’t want the integrity of the crash site disturbed. Oregon State Police bomb technicians checked out the site and determined there were no unexploded bombs.

“It’s a significant find, because there’s only one Helldiver that’s flying in the world,” said Christian Gurling, curator at the Tillamook Air Museum.

“It was common for planes to go down,” he said. “Most of them did end up in the ocean.”

The Helldiver started out as the joke of the Navy. It replaced the Dauntless in 1943 and Gurling said that at first, pilots weren’t too excited about it. It was bulkier and heavier than other planes, which helped it earn the nickname, “The Beast”.

“Because of the structural failures that could occur with the earlier models of the Helldivers, the Navy actually gave instructions to the pilots not to dive, which was a very difficult problem being a dive bomber (and) not being able to do its job,” said Gurling.

Despite its reputation, the Helldiver went on to help wipe out more Japanese targets than any other aircraft.

The two-seater had a top speed of 295 mph and could carry 1,000 pounds of bombs or an internal torpedo. It was built in 1939 but because of production problems and poor handling it didn’t go into service until 1943.

As for the one found in the forest, many speculate it’s the one that disappeared in August 1945 during a routine flight from Tillamook.

But Gurling said Helldivers also stopped in Astoria and North Bend.

“It’s kind of a mystery at this point.”

He said he hopes investigators figure out the mystery, not just for history’s sake, but for the two men who may have been on board.

“It’s important to realize these were two servicemen who were lost during the war, and we really shouldn’t forget and appreciate their service,” Gurling said.

Another Helldiver crashed during World War II near Astoria.

Pentagon officials said they’re worried about the possibility of remains being with the wreckage. If remains are found and they are veterans, the Pentagon will need to notify the families.

All photos below courtesy of Oregon State Police.