WWII Bomber with Remains of Pilots Discovered in Forest

In 1998, deep in the northern forests of Russia’s Arkhangelsk region, hunters stumbled upon the remains of a crashed military bomber. Alongside the wreckage, they found skeletal remains of the crew. The site was isolated, surrounded by dense forest and swampy terrain, making it difficult to access. After several years of planning, a group of enthusiasts and researchers launched an expedition to investigate the aircraft.

In the autumn of 1998, the team ventured into the forest, navigating rivers, swamps, and thick vegetation. One member described their journey as physically demanding but filled with anticipation. Upon reaching the site, the wreckage lay scattered near a canyon formed by the Chuka River. The remains of the aircraft, its tail section bearing Soviet stars, were remarkably well-preserved despite decades of exposure.

The Bomber’s Final Mission

The plane was identified as an SB-2 bomber, manufactured in Kazan in August 1939. It had departed on December 17, 1939, during the Soviet-Finnish War. The crew was tasked with bombing Finnish fortifications as part of a broader offensive. The weather on the day of the flight was harsh, with low cloud cover, gusty winds, and freezing temperatures, which posed significant risks to pilots.

At approximately 9:22 a.m., the bomber crashed into the forest. Investigators believe poor weather, pilot error, or icing on the plane could have contributed to the crash. The aircraft struck the treetops, breaking apart upon impact. Despite being torn to pieces, the wreckage did not ignite, preserving much of its structure.

Clues at the Crash Site

The wreckage was spread over a small area, with no impact crater, suggesting the crash occurred at a relatively low speed. The remains of the crew were found inside the twisted fuselage. The pilot’s body was crushed against the control yoke, while the radio gunner’s remains lay beneath debris, alongside his unopened parachute. The rear section of the bomber collapsed onto another crew member, causing fatal injuries.

Among the wreckage, researchers found tools, medical supplies, and the aircraft’s machine gun. Some items, such as first-aid packets, remained in surprisingly good condition. The plane’s markings, including its Soviet stars, had been shielded from the elements and appeared freshly painted.