Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: de Havilland Vampire 17081
- Type: Aircraft
- Year Built:
- Builder: de Havilland
- Dimensions:
- Registered Tonnage:
- Location: Lake Ontario, near Whitby, ON
- Original Owners: Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Type: de Havilland Vampire
Purpose: The de Havilland Vampire was a jet fighter aircraft used by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) during the early post-WWII years. It was one of the first jet-powered aircraft to serve in the RCAF and was primarily used for both training and operational roles, including formation flying, air defense, and pilot instruction.
Description
On November 29, 1953, two de Havilland Vampires from 400 City of Toronto Fighter (Auxiliary) Squadron were conducting formation flying exercises between Oshawa and Toronto. The exercise was routine, intended to maintain the proficiency of the pilots in formation flying techniques. However, as the aircraft returned to RCAF Station Downsview, poor weather conditions necessitated a beacon approach for landing.
Flying Officer Richard W. Russell, piloting Vampire 17081, was last seen by his formation leader as his aircraft entered a cloud. The poor weather conditions contributed to the loss of visual contact. Unfortunately, Russell did not return to the airbase and was declared missing. Following an extensive search operation, his Vampire was discovered in Lake Ontario near Whitby, ON.
History
The accident resulted in the tragic loss of Flying Officer Richard W. Russell, aged 20. The Vampire 17081 crashed into Lake Ontario due to circumstances that remain unclear but were likely exacerbated by the poor weather conditions at the time. The wreckage was located after a thorough search, confirming the fatal outcome.
Significant Incidents
- Accident Date: November 29, 1953
- Discovery: The Vampire 17081 was found in Lake Ontario near Whitby after an extensive search effort following its disappearance on November 29, 1953.
- Date: Located shortly after the crash, exact recovery dates are not documented in the provided sources.
Final Disposition
The wreckage was confirmed during the search, but the current condition of the wreckage is not documented. The aircraft was confirmed to have crashed into Lake Ontario, and accessibility for recovery was challenging due to its location.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The wreckage location was in Lake Ontario, which would have made accessibility for recovery challenging. There is no public information on whether the wreckage was recovered from the lake or remains submerged.
Resources & Links
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As divers explore the site, it is essential to remember the legacy of Flying Officer Richard W. Russell and to respect the site by adhering to ethical diving practices. Leave only bubbles, take only memories, and consider removing any garbage to leave the site better than you found it.
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