Bell P-39Q – NX92847

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IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #


	Aircraft Name: Bell P-39Q Airacobra Registration: NX92847 Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN): 26E-188 Location: Lake Ontario, near Niagara Falls, NY, USA Date of Incident: August 1946 GPS Coordinates: Not available Depth: The wreckage lies at the bottom of Lake Ontario, exact depth unspecified.

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #

The Bell P-39Q Airacobra was a World War II fighter aircraft produced by Bell Aircraft Corporation. The P-39 was unique among American fighters for its mid-engine design, placing the engine behind the pilot. The aircraft was equipped with a tricycle landing gear and was often used in ground attack roles. The P-39Q was a later variant, armed with a 37 mm cannon and used by various Allied forces during the war.

HISTORY: #

The aircraft, registered as NX92847, was owned and operated by Skylanes Unlimited and was known as “Cobra I” (#75). In 1946, this P-39Q Airacobra was being prepared for participation in the National Air Races in Cleveland, Ohio, a prestigious event showcasing high-speed flight and piloting skill. The aircraft was being test-flown by Bell test pilot Jack Valentine Woolams (aged 29) when the incident occurred.

FINAL DISPOSITION: #

During a high-speed test flight over Lake Ontario, near Niagara Falls, NY, the aircraft lost control and crashed into the water. The incident was tragic, resulting in the death of Jack Woolams. His body was recovered four days later from Lake Ontario. The aircraft was completely written off, sustaining damage beyond repair.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to this wreck. The location is not marked as a significant hazard to navigation, and the wreckage remains unlocated.

LOCATED BY & DATE: #

The wreck of the Bell P-39Q Airacobra has not been precisely located or explored. The details of the crash site remain largely undocumented, with information primarily available from news reports and unofficial sources.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #

The wreckage of the Bell P-39Q likely lies at the bottom of Lake Ontario. Due to the crash’s nature and the time elapsed since the incident, the aircraft is presumed to be in a deteriorated state. The site is not accessible to the public, and no formal recovery efforts have been reported.

RESOURCES & LINKS: #

The Telegraph (August 31, 1946, p2): Newspaper article reporting the incident.
Aviation Safety Network Website: Provides details on aviation accidents and safety records.
Bell P-39Q Airacobra: Information about the aircraft type and its operational history.