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A remarkably well preserved Messerschmitt Bf 109G-2 was recovered from a lake in Russia this past June. (photo via Wings of Victory Foundation)
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Some remarkable photographs emerged today of the recovery of a well preserved Messerschmitt Bf 109G-2 from a lake in Russia this past June. The identity for this particular aircraft has not been publicly released so far, but from the information we have, she began frontline service on the Eastern Front near Leningrad during 1942. She then moved on to an airfield at Luostari (part of Finland at that time, but now known as Pechenga following Russia’s annexation of the region after WWII). From Luostari, Luftwaffe aircraft could attack Allied shipping supplying the Soviets at nearby Murmansk, so it was a key strategic location for the Germans. During the winter of 1944, this Messerschmitt was damaged significantly in combat, and the pilot was forced to belly the fighter in on a frozen lake. Following the spring thaw in 1945, the aircraft sank to the bottom, ending up standing vertically with her nose and wing leading edges buried in the soft mud. This is how the recovery team found the Messerschmitt 74 years later.
A sonar shot of the 109 on the lake bed, showing it standing up on its nose in the same position it had been since sinking through the ice in 1945.. (photo via Wings of Victory Foundation)
The Bf 109 shortly after the recovery team brought her close to shore. Note the surprisingly well preserved Luftwaffe winter camouflage on the wings. Sadly, this soon began pealing off soon after the aircraft began drying off (photo via Wings of Victory Foundation)
The ‘109 at the lakes edge prior to being pulled out. Prior to hauling the aircraft, out of the water the recovery team detached the engine to reduce the risk of it tearing away and damaging the airframe in the process. (photo via Wings of Victory Foundation)
A nice shot looking down onto the 109 showing the detail of the swirling winter camouflage paint scheme on the wings. (photo via Wings of Victory Foundation)
Towing the ‘109 onto shore. (photo via Wings of Victory Foundation)
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Members of Russia’s Wings of Victory Museum and ICAR led the team which found and recovered the Bf 109 this past June. After raising the aircraft using inflatable air bags, they towed her to shore and dismantled the airframe, shipping it to the Technic Museum of Vadim Zadorozhniy. Here the aircraft is now undergoing cleaning and conservation. No decisions have been announced at this point regarding any potential restoration, although that seems likely to happen, whether it be for static display or otherwise. We look forwards to learning more, and will bring additional news to readers when it becomes available.
A closeup of the port wing showing how the paint is pealing as the skin dries. (photo via Wings of Victory Foundation)
The empennage while the aircraft is being pulled from the water. Note the nissing section of vertical stabilizer. On some Bf 109s, this section was of wooden constrcution, and that seems to be a likely case here, as the component has simply rotted away. (photo via Wings of Victory Foundation)
Detail of the engine compartment showing how carefully the recovery team detached the power egg. (photo via Wings of Victory Foundation)
A closeup of the fuselage showing significant damage from gun fire. Interestingly, the recovery team also found evidence of patched bullet holes, showing that the aircraft had been involved in a fair bit of combat during its service life. (photo via Wings of Victory Foundation)
A closeup of the cockpit section and engine bay.. The cockpit was found stripped, which apparently took place during WWII before the aircraft sank through the ice. (photo via Wings of Victory Foundation)
The pilot’s control stick. (photo via Wings of Victory Foundation)
A number of data plates were preserved in near perfect condion. According to Lynn Ritger, this is for the right hand engine cowling. (photo via Wings of Victory Foundation)
Another of the extremely well preserved data plates belonging to a component on the left wing. (photo via Wings of Victory Foundation)
One of the aircraft’s tires. The white residue is from the corroded remains of the magnesium wheel rims. Note that the tire was manufactured by Dunlop! While Dunlop was a British company, they had a large factory in Germany which continued production during the war (photo via Wings of Victory Foundation)
The starboard wing soon after being detached from the airframe. (photo via Wings of Victory Foundation)
The port wing soon after removal from the airframe. You can see undercarriage leg just to the right of the frame. (photo via Wings of Victory Foundation)
A closeup of te left wing. Note how clearly the paint on the cross insignia shows the brush marks from when it was first painted. (photo via Wings of Victory Foundation)
The ‘109’s wings stacked atop the recovery vehicle. Note the bullet hole in the trailing edge of the lower of the two wings. This bullet apparently continued into the aileron, severing its leading edge. (photo via Wings of Victory Foundation)
The ‘109 aboard the truck for the ride to the conservation facility. (photo via Wings of Victory Foundation)
The “power egg” as the German’s referred to the quick engine change unit. (photo via Wings of Victory Foundation)
Many thanks indeed to the Wings of Victory Foundation and Sergey Detenyshev, Director of Development, for allowing us to use the fabulous images which accompany this article. We wish them the best of luck with their restoration of this historic airframe!
The ‘109’s fuselage being unloaded after transport to the conservation facility. (photo via Wings of Victory Foundation)
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Here is a video of the Bf-109-G2 is been pulled out of the lake in the Murmansk region of Russia The airplane is now located at the Technical Museum of Vadim Zadorozhniy (Moscow).
Richard Mallory Allnutt's aviation passion ignited at the 1974 Farnborough Airshow. Raised in 1970s Britain, he was immersed in WWII aviation lore. Moving to Washington DC, he frequented the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum, meeting aviation legends.
After grad school, Richard worked for Lockheed-Martin but stayed devoted to aviation, volunteering at museums and honing his photography skills. In 2013, he became the founding editor of Warbirds News, now Vintage Aviation News. With around 800 articles written, he focuses on supporting grassroots aviation groups.
Richard values the connections made in the aviation community and is proud to help grow Vintage Aviation News.
