Remains of WWII German Focke Wulf FW58 Aircraft Discovered in French Lake After Decades

During World War II, German forces operated a wide range of aircraft. While the Focke-Wulf FW 190 fighter plane is often recognized for its role in the war, the company also produced other significant models, including the Focke-Wulf FW 58 “Weihe” (Harrier). This twin-engine aircraft was versatile, serving various roles throughout the conflict. It was primarily used as a training aircraft, but it also supported tasks like reconnaissance, transport, and even air ambulance services. Only one FW 58 remains on public display today in a Brazilian museum, but another lies deep underwater in a French lake, untouched for decades. This is the story of its discovery and the events that led to its watery resting place.

The Versatile and Tragic Tale of the FW 58

The FW 58 was initially introduced in 1937, two years after its first test flight. Its design as a low-wing monoplane allowed it to fulfill a range of needs for the German air force, training pilots and aircrews, including radio operators and gunners. A total of 1,350 of these planes were produced, many of which served in occupied territories across Europe. During the war, the aircraft took on roles beyond training, from being a transport plane for high-ranking officers to performing photo reconnaissance missions.

In occupied France, German forces quickly took control of strategic locations, including airfields. One of these airfields became the site of a navigation school where FW 58s were used to train radio operators. The FW 58 also connected airbases in areas like Bourges and Lyon. On March 30, 1943, an FW 58C took off from one of these bases on a training mission with four crew members on board. The flight included a celebratory low-altitude pass over Lake Bourget, a tradition among new graduates of the German training program. However, the maneuver went wrong, and the plane crashed into the lake.

The pilot, Sergeant Ernst Krohn, and Corporal Kurt Becker lost their lives in the crash. The two other crew members, who managed to escape the wreckage, were lucky to survive. Local fishermen who witnessed the crash hurried to rescue them from the frigid waters, which were only 3 degrees Celsius. Their survival was a matter of minutes, as hypothermia would have soon set in due to the near-freezing temperature. The villagers who helped the survivors received a rare acknowledgment from a German commander, who released four prisoners of war in appreciation for the local community’s aid.

Rediscovery and Preservation of the Lost FW 58

The wreckage of the FW 58 remained at the bottom of Lake Bourget for decades. Over time, the details of the incident faded from memory, and the story of the plane’s crash was nearly forgotten. Then, in 1988, researchers took an interest in the lost aircraft and began searching for it. They found the wreck at a depth of 117 meters, well-preserved in the cold, dark waters. In 2004, divers made their first expedition to the site, uncovering the remains of the plane that had been hidden for so long. They were surprised by the condition of the wreck. The insignia on the tail was still visible, looking almost as if it had been painted recently.

Despite the damage from the crash and decades underwater, much of the aircraft remained intact. The wings were still attached, though some parts of the fuselage had broken off. The cold water had preserved the shell of the plane, though the fabric covering its frame had started to deteriorate. The plane’s control panels and dials were still visible through the gaps in the fuselage, offering a glimpse into the cockpit of the 1940s. Mud had encased parts of the landing gear and nose, making the wreck appear like a time capsule from the war.

Efforts to recover the plane from Lake Bourget have faced resistance over the years. Local divers and historians argue that the wreck is a war grave, as two men lost their lives in the crash. Although no remains have been found inside the plane due to poor visibility underwater, the possibility of human remains still existing has fueled debates over its status. Additionally, a family member of one of the deceased crew members has publicly opposed any attempts to raise the aircraft, wishing to preserve the resting place of her relative.

Technical and Ethical Challenges in Recovering the FW 58

Beyond the ethical concerns, there are also technical challenges. The plane’s fragile condition has led experts to worry that attempts to lift it might cause irreparable damage. After more than 80 years underwater, parts of the plane are brittle, and the risk of destroying the wreck is high. This has led many to believe that it is better left undisturbed in the lake where it has rested since 1943.

Today, the FW 58 remains at the bottom of Lake Bourget. Its cold, dark environment has slowed the decay, preserving the wreck far longer than it might have survived on land. Divers have described the eerie experience of seeing the plane lying nose-down in the lakebed, a reminder of the war’s impact on the region.