Warbird Information Exchange

Canadian Armed Forces to Recover Northrop Nomad Aircraft

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Oct. 25, 2014) - National Defence

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is leading operations to recover its Northrop Nomad aircraft, which crashed into Lake Muskoka on December 13, 1940 killing Lieutenant Peter Campbell and Leading Aircraftsman Theodore (Ted) Bates. The operation is expected to last approximately 10 days.

The aircraft was discovered by the Ontario Provincial Police on July 2010, some 70 years after its fateful crash. In October 2012, the Royal Canadian Navy's Fleet Diving Unit (Atlantic) recovered the remains of the fallen airmen and they were interred a year later with full military honours.

Quick Facts

The recovery operation is led by the Royal Canadian Air Force, partnered with the Royal Canadian Navy, the Directorate of History and Heritage, the Ontario Provincial Police Bracebridge Detachment, the National Air Force Museum of Canada, and the Canadian Coast guard. Notable support also came from the towns of Gravenhurst and Bracebridge and the Lost Airmen of Muskoka Project.

The main recovery effort for Nomad #3521 is supported by a recovery and salvage (RAS) team from the RCAF's Aerospace and Telecommunications Engineering Support Squadron based in 8 Wing Trenton, Ont., with critical diving support from the Royal Canadian Navy's Fleet Diving Unit (Atlantic) out of Halifax, NS.

The RCAF conducted an extensive environmental assessment in coordination with federal, provincial and local authorities in preparation for this operation. The personnel involved in this operation are trained professionals and are treating the wreckage with extreme care.

The recovery of the aircraft is a unique opportunity for the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Armed Forces and all those involved in the recovery to honour Canada's military heritage.

The wreckage has remained the property and responsibility of the RCAF until the full recovery is achieved, at which point the aircraft will be handed over to the National Air Force Museum of Canada.

Quotes

"The Canadian Armed Forces has a rich heritage of professionals who carry out their mission daily with courage and dedication whether in training or in operations; at home or overseas; in peace-time or in war. As we approach Remembrance Day, I could think of no better tribute than to finally raise the Nomad from the depths where it can find its home with the National Air Force Museum of Canada."

The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls and Minister of National Defence

"I commend the unwavering dedication of those behind the Lost Airmen in Muskoka Project (LAMP), the Royal Canadian Navy's Fleet Diving Unit, The Royal Canadian Air Force and the OPP who have all worked together to honour these lost airmen, and highlight this important part of Muskoka's and our nation's history," said Parry Sound-Muskoka Member of Parliament Tony Clement. "We should all be proud of the LAMP team's never-ending interest and efforts in this noble endeavour, which will lead to future generations knowing this incredible story and being able to see first-hand such an important part of our past."

The Honourable Tony Clement, P.C., M.P. for Parry Sound-Muskoka and President of the Treasury Board

"This operation is the culmination of many good people working together to make this happen. I appreciate and warmly acknowledge the support provided by federal, provincial, and local partners. Recovering the Nomad aircraft and bringing it to a more appropriate resting place underscores the RCAF's commitment to our heritage and the preservation of our history."

Lieutenant-General Yvan Blondin, Commander Royal Canadian Air Force

Related Products

Imagery of the recovery operation (updated daily)

Backgrounder: The Northrop A-17 Nomad 3521

Associated Links

Lost airmen of Nomad 3521 aircraft found, 16 September 2013

Internment Ceremony for Flight Lieutenant Peter Campbell and Leading Aircraftsman Theodore (Ted) Bates

Archived historical casualty identification

Royal Canadian Air Force
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
(613) 996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811

It is supposed to be lifted out of the water on November 2. The aircraft is divided up into 3 large pieces on the bottom. There is some debate as to how the aircraft will eventually displayed at Trenton. Some want it displayed as recovered, while others want it restored to original condition.

MRP

Good news! And here's the previous thread on the discovery of the plane and recovery of the crew:

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=50791&p=509761&hilit=nomad#p509761

And as I mentioned, that brings the surviving Nomad population up to three (with a fourth wreck in the western US awaiting recovery - http://www.aircraftwrecks.com/pages/a-17.htm).

_________________

All right, Mister Dorfmann, start pullin'!
Pilot: "Flap switch works hard in down position."
Mechanic: "Flap switch checked OK. Pilot needs more P.T." - Flight report, TB-17G 42-102875 (Hobbs AAF)

Looks like they're already trying to pull up the engine:
http://www.forcesimages.ca/default.aspx?moid=49488

I've seen photos of the wreck on the bottom and it's in amazingly good shape. (apart from the damage caused from impacting the water)
It'd be a shame to not restore it to it's 1940 configuration...I doubt there would be much that needs replacing.

_________________