Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

P-39Q Airacobra

Explore the wrecks of the P-39Q Airacobra, including the notable site of Lt. Frank Moody, a Tuskegee Airman, lost during WWII training missions in Lake Huron.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Bell P-39Q Airacobra
  • Type: Single-Engine Fighter Aircraft
  • Year Built: Early 1940s
  • Builder: Bell Aircraft Corporation
  • Dimensions:
  • Registered Tonnage:
  • Location: North of Port Huron, Lake Huron, Michigan
  • Original Owners: U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF)

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Aircraft Type: Single-Engine Fighter Aircraft

Description

The Bell P-39Q Airacobra was a revolutionary single-engine fighter aircraft used extensively during World War II. It featured a unique design with the engine mounted in the fuselage’s center and a tricycle landing gear. The aircraft was armed with a 37mm nose cannon and .50 caliber machine guns, making it a formidable asset for both air-to-air combat and ground attacks.

History

Two P-39Q Airacobras have been recently discovered in Michigan waters, both lost during World War II training missions. These aircraft were part of pilot training programs conducted around the Great Lakes, as the region provided a relatively safe environment for young aviators to practice.

One notable wreck is linked to Lt. Frank Moody, who tragically perished when his Airacobra crashed north of Port Huron, Michigan, on April 11, 1944. Lt. Moody, an African-American pilot and a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, was one of many aviators preparing for combat duty during the war.

Significant Incidents

  • April 11, 1944: Lt. Frank Moody’s P-39Q Airacobra crashes north of Port Huron, Michigan.

Final Disposition

The wrecks are considered military gravesites, and as such, diving is typically restricted or highly regulated. Both wrecks are protected under U.S. and Michigan heritage laws, with ongoing efforts to document and preserve them for future generations.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of Lt. Moody’s aircraft is reportedly well-preserved due to the cold, freshwater environment. Remnants of the cockpit, engine, and propeller are visible, along with the iconic nose-mounted 37mm cannon. The second P-39Q wreck remains largely intact, offering valuable historical and archaeological insights.

Resources & Links

These discoveries are significant for multiple reasons, including their historical importance as reminders of the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen and the rigorous training efforts during World War II. The intact remains of the P-39Q Airacobra provide opportunities to study mid-20th-century aviation technology.