WW2 Aircraft Wrecks That Are Still Visible Relics Today

World War II left behind many reminders in various forms, but some of the most haunting relics are the wrecks of aircraft that crashed and were never recovered. These planes, now scattered in remote locations or submerged underwater, serve as silent witnesses to the tumultuous events that once shook the world. Let’s explore some of these aircraft wrecks that are still visible today.

1. Japanese Aichi E13A in Palau

More than 80 years ago, a Japanese warplane crashed and sank near the island of Palau. The plane has been submerged in shallow waters ever since. The warplane, likely involved in the extensive Pacific battles, came to rest on the ocean floor. Over time, marine life has started to cover the wreck, but its overall structure remains identifiable. The location where it lies is not too deep, making it accessible for divers who want to explore a piece of history beneath the waves.

2. German Focke-Wulf 190 in a Russian Forest

In 1989, a German warplane was discovered in a remote forest in Russia. The plane had been sitting there for more than 40 years before anyone knew of its existence. During World War II, the pilot of this aircraft tried to fly over enemy lines during the siege of Leningrad. However, despite his efforts, he was captured and became a prisoner of war shortly afterward. The plane itself remained hidden among the trees for decades, largely untouched. Today, it stands as a reminder of the intense and often unknown struggles that took place in the region.

3. RAF P-40 Kittyhawk in the Sahara Desert

In 1942, a Royal Air Force pilot was flying a damaged P-40 Kittyhawk between two British airfields in Egypt for repairs. Unfortunately, the aircraft never made it to its destination, and for over 70 years, its fate and that of the pilot remained a mystery. In 2012, the wreckage was found in the Sahara Desert, nearly 180 miles from the nearest inhabited area. The plane had been undisturbed for over seven decades. The harsh desert environment preserved the aircraft well, though the pilot’s body was never found. The discovery provided some answers but also left many questions about what happened on that fateful flight.

4. American P-38 Lightning off a Beach in Wales

In 1942, a 24-year-old American pilot took off in a P-38 Lightning. After climbing to an altitude of 6,000 feet, the plane’s left engine failed, resulting in a violent crash. Miraculously, the pilot survived and abandoned the aircraft. The plane came to rest off a beach in Wales, where it has remained ever since. Over the years, the wreck has become partially buried in the sand and is visible only at low tide. Despite the crash’s violence, the structure of the P-38 Lightning is still recognizable to those who visit the site.