A FM-2 Wildcat Fighter Submerged Underwater For 68 Years Restored Back To Life
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On December 28, 1944, during a training exercise over Lake Michigan, an FM-2 Wildcat fighter plane, piloted by Ensign William E. Forbes, experienced engine failure while attempting to take off from the USS Sable. This malfunction caused the aircraft to roll over and plunge into the icy waters. Fortunately, Ensign Forbes escaped unharmed, but the plane sank to the lake’s bottom, where it remained for 68 years.
Recovery and Restoration of the Submerged Aircraft
In December 2012, a dedicated recovery team located and retrieved the submerged aircraft from Lake Michigan. The plane was in two sections: the tail and the forward part, which included the wings, engine, and main landing gear. After removing accumulated mussels and draining water, the team disassembled the aircraft for transportation.
The restoration process began at the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The team faced significant challenges due to the plane’s prolonged submersion. They lacked original tooling and some construction drawings, necessitating creative solutions to replicate missing parts. The restoration involved extensive work, including reskinning from the tail to the cockpit.
Completion and Significance of the FM-2 Wildcat Restoration
Over more than a decade, volunteers and staff invested over 50,000 hours into the restoration. Their efforts culminated in the plane’s completion in June 2024. The project cost approximately $700,000, covering materials, supplies, equipment, tools, and personnel expenses.
The restored FM-2 Wildcat is now displayed at the Air Zoo, serving as a testament to the dedication of the restoration team and the historical significance of the aircraft. This plane not only represents a piece of World War II history but also highlights the extensive training operations conducted over the Great Lakes, where many pilots honed their skills for aircraft carrier operations.
The successful recovery and restoration of this Wildcat underscore the importance of preserving military history and honoring the efforts of those who served. The aircraft stands as a symbol of resilience and dedication, both of the original pilots and the team that brought it back to life after nearly seven decades underwater.
