Rare Focke-Wulf Wreck Discovered in French Lake as Incredible WWII Relic

The Forgotten Trainer of a War-Torn Era

While the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 is often remembered as one of the main German fighter aircraft of World War II, the same company also developed several lesser-known planes. Among these was the Focke-Wulf Fw 58, a twin-engine low-wing monoplane introduced in 1937. Built as a multipurpose aircraft, it played various roles during the war. Originally created as an advanced trainer for pilots and aircrew, it was also used as an ambulance, reconnaissance platform, and staff transport.

A total of 1,350 units were built and assigned to different parts of the German air force. The aircraft offered reliability for non-combat tasks, which made it suitable for technical training and transport missions. Today, only one preserved Fw 58 is on display in a museum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. But deep beneath the surface of a French lake lies another example—forgotten for decades and rediscovered in an extraordinary way.

A Tragic Flight Over Occupied France

After France was occupied in June 1940, many French airfields and facilities were taken over by German forces. One of these, used by a training school from the Third Air Fleet, operated Fw 58C aircraft for radio operator instruction. Flights often connected bases in cities like Bourges and Lyon. On March 30, 1943, one such aircraft took off with four men onboard for a training flight. Their path took them over the Alps and into restricted airspace above Lake Bourget.

Though flying over the lake had been forbidden by their instructors, it had become a common graduation tradition among aircrew. The pilot, Sergeant Ernst Kron, joined in the practice. However, something went wrong. The aircraft struck the surface of the water and crashed. Sergeant Kron and Corporal Kurt Becka were killed instantly. Two other crew members survived and were pulled from the freezing lake by local fishermen.

An Act of Mercy and the Sinking of a Relic

The water temperature at the time was just 3°C. Without the quick help of civilians, the survivors would have died from hypothermia. In a rare moment of mercy, a German commander ordered the release of four prisoners of war to thank the locals who had rescued the airmen. The wreckage of the Fw 58 sank to the lakebed and remained there, largely forgotten, as those who remembered the event slowly passed away.

In 1988, researchers identified the likely crash site, and in 2004, divers made their first descent to the wreck. Resting at a depth of 117 meters, the aircraft remained surprisingly intact. The cold, dark water had preserved much of its structure. The wings were still attached, though parts of the fuselage had broken away. Despite damage, control panels, instruments, and even original decals were still visible.

An Unsettling Discovery Beneath the Surface

Divers reported that the aircraft’s markings were remarkably well-preserved, giving the impression they had been painted recently. The nose of the aircraft was lodged in lakebed mud, and pieces of the landing gear and cockpit were still accessible, although visibility was poor. Some parts of the plane had become skeletal, with the canvas skin slowly breaking down over time.

Because of its depth and condition, the Fw 58 remained protected. But calls to recover the plane sparked debate. Some suggested lifting the wreck for preservation, but others strongly opposed the idea. The aircraft had not been confirmed empty, and family members of the crew expressed concern that human remains could still be inside. Although no bodies were seen, poor visibility made it difficult to confirm either way.

Preserved by Cold and Time

There were also fears that raising the aircraft could destroy it. After more than 80 years underwater, the structure appeared fragile. For now, the wreck remains in place, resting deep in Lake Bourget where it crashed in 1943. The cold, still waters have kept the plane preserved far beyond what anyone expected. While disturbing to some, the image of the submerged aircraft remains one of the most haunting WWII relics hidden beneath the surface.