Watch Rare WWII Aircraft Relic Discovered in Alaska’s Lake Andy

Searching the Waters of Adak

After several days of searching Lake Andy in Alaska, a researcher returned for a fifth trip, still unsure about a strange object in the water. Although the part seemed like something from a plane, it didn’t clearly match anything known. Earlier guesses pointed to a wing float from a Kingfisher floatplane, one of two types stationed in the area during the war—the other being the larger PBY Catalina.

Wearing snorkel gear for comfort and better access, the researcher inspected the metal, which showed signs of aircraft-grade aluminum and wartime rivets. The site had changed drastically since the 1940s. Using old reconnaissance photos, the man explained how land had been pushed into the bay, roads built, and hangars added. These photos even showed Kingfishers and PBYs parked near the very spot the part was found.

Connecting to the Past

He described finding the remains near what used to be a foundation for military buildings. He feared someone had already moved the artifact, possibly taking it home. Once removed from its original place, the item risked getting lost over time. His own father had once hosted a reunion for veterans of the site, and identifying the piece felt meaningful.

Eventually, he solved the mystery. The semi-cylindrical shape was an interior storage container used on a PBY Catalina, placed beneath the blister window. It held survival gear such as flares, life vests, or rafts that rescuers could throw to crew in the water.

Still More to Discover

The researcher, who has a background in archaeology and unexploded ordnance, took great care preserving the item’s location. He now believes this find could link to another crash still hidden in the lake—a 1961 aircraft he’s been chasing for years.

Keep going for the video below: