North American Harvard Mk. II – Identification & Site Information

Aircraft Name:

North American Harvard Mk. II

Serial Number:

NA-66/66-2349

Type:

Single-Engine Advanced Trainer Aircraft

Location of Wreck:

Lake Simcoe, Ontario

Date of Crash:

February 14, 1942

Cause of Crash:

Training accident during operations at No. 1 Service Flying Training School (SFTS), Camp Borden, Ontario

First Date of Service:

October 21, 1940

Last Date of Service:

July 6, 1942

Aircraft Type Description

The Harvard Mk. II was a continuation of the renowned trainer aircraft lineage used extensively by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) during World War II. Manufactured under license by North American Aviation, the Harvard Mk. II featured enhanced instrumentation and flight characteristics compared to its predecessor. It was powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-1340 radial engine, designed to replicate the performance and handling of combat aircraft. Its tandem cockpit setup made it an ideal platform for advanced flight training.

Chronological History

Entry into Service:

• The aircraft entered service with the RCAF on October 21, 1940, assigned to No. 1 SFTS, Camp Borden, Ontario.

• It played a critical role in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, which trained thousands of pilots from Allied nations.

Crash Incident:

• On February 14, 1942, during a routine training mission, the aircraft sustained Category A damage and crashed into Lake Simcoe, Ontario.

• The cause of the crash is not well-documented but was likely attributed to pilot error or mechanical failure, both common in training operations.

• Fortunately, no fatalities were reported in association with this incident, though the aircraft was declared a Total Loss.

Final Disposition:

• Following the crash, the Harvard Mk. II was struck off charge on July 6, 1942, after salvage and evaluation efforts confirmed it was beyond repair.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• Location: The wreck of Harvard Mk. II (Serial No. 66-2349) lies submerged in Lake Simcoe, Ontario.

• Condition: Likely preserved to some degree due to the cold, fresh waters of the lake, though the wreck is subject to natural decay.

• Accessibility: As a historical site, the wreck may be of interest to divers and aviation enthusiasts. Exploration requires adherence to local regulations and respect for historical preservation.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) regarding this site. However, the area is known for recreational boating and diving, and caution is advised when operating in or around the lake.

Resources & Links

• RCAF Historical Records: Documentation of training operations and aircraft incidents.

• Lake Simcoe Diving Associations: Local organizations that may offer insights or guidance on exploring submerged sites.

• Canadian Aviation Museum Archives: For additional information on Harvard Mk. II aircraft and their operational history.

Keywords

Harvard Mk. II, North American Aviation, RCAF, Lake Simcoe, Aircraft Training Accident, British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, WWII Trainer Aircraft, Submerged Wreck.

Conclusion

The loss of the North American Harvard Mk. II in Lake Simcoe reflects the critical role played by training aircraft in preparing Allied pilots for combat during World War II. While the crash was a setback, it was part of the broader efforts of the RCAF to support the war effort through the rigorous training of aircrew. The submerged aircraft serves as a historical artifact, preserving a poignant chapter in Canada’s aviation history.