B-17 "Flying Fortress"

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On Dec. 24, 1947, while traveling from Resolute Bay in the Northwest Territories to Goose Bay, Labrador, B-17G-95-DL-44-83790 crash-landed on frozen Dyke Lake. The seven-member crew was not hurt, and were rescued two days later. When the ice melted in spring 1948, the plane sank to the bottom of the lake where it remained in oblivion for 50 years. In 1998, the abandoned campsite was located; the fuselage (with windshield still intact) was later found 10 KM (6 miles) downstream. Currently the only major part not accounted for is the tail section; however, local rumor says there has been a reward offered for finding it.

In August 2004, divers placed eight bags under the plane; these were filled with enough air to lift the plane to the top of the lake. The lake water was used to pressure wash the marine growth from the remains. Because of the cold, clear water and long, icy winters the plane had been protected from severe deterioration. The rescuers had two surprises: (1) The 55°F (13°C) lake water was so clear and pure they drank it. (2) The late summer night temperatures were already near freezing.

Over the next 30 hours, the B-17 remained on the lift system while being towed by local fishing boats for 60 miles (97 KM) to the nearest road. After a 215-ton crane removed it from the air-bags, it was dismantled and trucked the 200 miles (322 km) over rough gravel highway to Labrador City. Labrador has a land mass of 113,641 square miles (294,329 square KM); however, there are only 347 miles (560 KM) of highway and 95% of those are gravel surface.

The photos on the following pages show the B-17 being prepared for its 2,431 mile (3,913 km) ride from Labrador City to Georgia. When the plane arrives in Douglas, Georgia, Don Brooks will determine if it can be restored. The B-17 will join Mr. Brooks' other airplanes, a 1941 P-40 and an SNJ-5, that are stored in his vintage WWII hangar. Mr. Brooks' father flew B-17’s in the 390th bomb group during WWII.