Harvard AJ 701

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Harvard AJ 701
• Type: Training Aircraft
• Year Built:
• Builder: North American Aviation
• Dimensions:
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Lake Ontario, near Kingston, Ontario
• Official Number: J701
• Original Owners: Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Aircraft Designation: J701 North American Harvard Mk. II NA-76 76-3671

Type: Training Aircraft

Manufacturer: North American Aviation

Location: Lake Ontario, near Kingston, Ontario

Final Status: Struck off on 31 January 1942

Description

The North American Harvard Mk. II, designated J701, was a training aircraft operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) during World War II. Designed to prepare pilots for more advanced combat aircraft, the Harvard was renowned for its robust construction and handling.

History

Service Details:

Taken on Strength: 27 August 1941, by No. 1 Training Command.

Assigned to: No. 31 Service Flying Training School (SFTS), Kingston Aerodrome, Ontario.

Significant Incidents

• 11 October 1941: Type of Incident: Category C3 damage. Details: The aircraft sustained significant, yet repairable, damage at 21:50 at Kingston Aerodrome. Repairs were completed, and J701 returned to service.
• 20 November 1941: Type of Incident: Fatal crash. Details: J701 crashed into Lake Ontario at 00:10 shortly after takeoff from Kingston Aerodrome. The aircraft reportedly dove into the lake, leading to complete destruction upon impact.

Final Disposition

J701 was officially struck off strength on 31 January 1942 following the crash and presumed total loss in Lake Ontario.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreckage of J701 is presumed to lie undiscovered at an undetermined depth in Lake Ontario near Kingston.

Due to the lack of precise coordinates and the passage of time, the aircraft remains inaccessible without specialized underwater search equipment.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”harvard-aj-701″ title=”References & Links”]

The loss of J701 underscores the risks inherent in military training operations during World War II. Despite its sturdy design, the aircraft was involved in two incidents during its brief service life. The crash on 20 November 1941, shortly after takeoff, remains unexplained and shrouded in mystery, raising questions about possible mechanical failure or pilot error.

The unlocated wreckage of J701 holds significant historical value, offering potential insights into the training practices and challenges faced by the RCAF during the war. For aviation historians and underwater archaeologists, the aircraft’s story is a compelling chapter in Canada’s wartime aviation history.