KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — Restoration work is underway at the Air Zoo on a uniquely-sourced World War II-era bomber.
President Troy Thrash says the plane, a Douglas SBD-2P Dauntless Dive Bomber, is remarkable not only for its history, but also because of where it was located.
“The Navy decided to bring this airplane up out of 250 feet of water at the bottom of Lake Michigan because of its significance,” Thrash said.
It crashed during a 1944 training mission. Before then, it was used during the Battle of Midway over the Pacific Ocean.
Thrash said it’s believed the airplane is the only of its kind.
That process will take at least three years. After it is restored, it will be housed at the Pacific Aviation Museum in Hawaii.
