Lost WW2 Planes Hidden in Lakes

Planes Hidden Beneath the Water

During WWII, the skies over the British Isles saw intense aerial battles, with thousands of Allied and Axis planes crashing due to combat, accidents, or mechanical failures. But today, you won’t find them scattered across fields—most were scrapped long ago.

However, some nearly intact aircraft still exist, preserved beneath the surface of lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Many of these planes were never recovered at the time because it was either too difficult or not worth the effort. Decades later, as WWII aircraft have become increasingly rare, these underwater discoveries have become even more fascinating.

One incredible find came in 1976, when a Vickers Wellington Mark 1A bomber was accidentally discovered in Loch Ness, Scotland—remarkably well-preserved after ditching there on New Year’s Eve, 1940. The plane was recovered in 1985 and is now on display at Brooklands Museum in Surrey, England.

Another famous wreck lies in Lough Foyle, Northern Ireland—a Vought F4U Corsair that crashed into the water. The wreckage becomes visible during low tide, but over time, it has been picked over by souvenir hunters and worn down by the elements, leaving little behind.

Do you know of any other WWII aircraft hidden beneath the water? Let us know your thoughts!