Aircraft wrecks and remains
Andy
I have only been ‘involved’ with only one aircraft recovery through my 19 years of researching and writing that contained remains. This aircraft was also recovered from a lake – very cold but not overly deep. Two things I can add.
The pilot did not get out when he force landed. When the cockpit was examined by the recovery team (although classed as missing though did not know whether the pilot was in the aircraft or not) the skeletal remains had collapsed and was located in the foot well. The remains consisted of a few large bones and the only other identifiable parts were the shoes and buttons. (Whatever the quantity, there were the remains of the pilot).
The pilot was buried with full military honours. A couple of years later the family were located and I believe are relieved to at last find out his remains had been located, buried with honours etc. They now have a grave and have also asked for the pilot momento’s to be returned to the family.
Whether the Corsairs will get recovered or not I await and see though personally I believe these pilots should be recovered and buried. The commercial aspect of the aircraft recovery should be bi-product of this task and I also believe the families should also have a say and seroius efforts made to locate them. If the airframes becomes a bi-product of the recovery of the bodies, then I would prefer that any commercial aspect to the salvage goes no further than restoring an airframe to static – not to flying. (As the Museum at Yeovilton already had a Corsair so who would want a static FAA Corsair – if in the UK? Would the US museums want a FAA static Corsair?)
Only my two pence worth – some will agree and some will not.
regards
Mark
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