C-45 Expeditor (model 18 Twin Beech – Lake Ontario Aircraft Shipwreck (1952)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: C-45 Expeditor (Model 18 Twin Beech)
• Type: Aircraft
• Year Built:
• Builder: Beech Aircraft Corporation
• Dimensions:
• Registered Tonnage:
• Depth at Wreck Site: 46 m / 150 ft
• Location: Lake Ontario, near Oswego, NY
• Coordinates: 43.485941, -76.559412

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

AIRCRAFT TYPE DESCRIPTION

The C-45 Expeditor, also referred to as the Model 18 Twin Beech, was a twin-engine aircraft extensively utilized by military forces during World War II and the post-war period. Built by Beech Aircraft Corporation, it served in roles such as transport, training, reconnaissance, and even light bombing. Known for its robust construction and dependable engines, the C-45 could operate under challenging conditions. Its design—featuring twin radial engines, a low-wing configuration, and a capacity for 6–11 passengers—earned it a place in both military and civilian aviation history.

With over 9,300 units produced, the C-45 remains a symbol of aviation resilience, and several examples are still operational in civilian and historical contexts.

Description

DESCRIPTION

The C-45 Expeditor was involved in a training mission on September 11, 1952, carrying five individuals: three U.S. Air Force officers, including pilot Lt. Col. Charles A. Callahan, and two civilian technical advisors. The aircraft departed Bedford, Massachusetts, en route to Griffiss Air Force Base near Rome, New York. Midway through the flight, the left engine began to fail, reducing power and rendering the aircraft unable to maintain altitude. As the situation worsened near Rome, Lt. Col. Callahan ordered the passengers to bail out.

All four passengers parachuted safely to a location near Schutler Corners, 15–20 miles southeast of Utica, NY. Lt. Col. Callahan also exited the aircraft via parachute.

History

HISTORY OF THE INCIDENT

Now unpiloted, the lighter aircraft managed to continue flying for another 70 minutes due to the partial functionality of the right engine. It covered approximately 65 miles, eventually descending in Lake Ontario near Oswego, NY. The crash trajectory suggests the left engine completely failed during its descent. Despite extensive search efforts by the U.S. Coast Guard and Air Force, the wreckage was not located at the time.

Significant Incidents

DISCOVERY AND FINAL DISPOSITION

In July 2014, a team searching for shipwrecks in Lake Ontario using sonar imaging identified the wreck of the C-45 Expeditor. It was found farther offshore than anticipated, resting in over 150 feet (46 meters) of water. Using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), the team captured clear images of the wreck, confirming its identity and documenting its condition. The discovery provided crucial insights into the crash and the final moments of the aircraft, which had remained a mystery for over 60 years.

Final Disposition

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) regarding the wreck site. The wreck is secure and poses no navigation hazards.

Current Condition & Accessibility

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck of the C-45 Expeditor is located in deep water, making it accessible primarily to experienced divers. Shotline Diving encourages divers to practice no-touch documentation methods and to respect the site, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.

Resources & Links

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CONCLUSION

The crash and subsequent discovery of the C-45 Expeditor in Lake Ontario is a poignant chapter in aviation history, highlighting the dangers of mid-century flight training and the challenges of emergency response. The 2014 discovery not only resolved a long-standing mystery but also underscored the enduring efforts of historians and explorers to uncover the stories of lost aircraft. The wreck serves as a quiet reminder of both the resilience and vulnerabilities of those who took to the skies over the Great Lakes.