7 Crashed WWII Planes You Can Visit Around The World

During World War II, aircraft utilized various bases globally for refueling and preparing for imminent missions. Among these pivotal bases was the Talasea Airfield in New Britain, Papua New Guinea, which served as a crucial staging point and waypoint for many aircraft.

These aircraft played an integral role, tirelessly transporting troops and supplies, and embarking on combat missions. Due to the intense demands of war, there was often a shortage of skilled mechanics and insufficient time for routine maintenance. Some planes faced stiff consequences due to these challenges.

One such aircraft was the B-25 Bomber, serial number 43-4513, also known as the Mitchell. This bomber experienced a devastating nose malfunction, leading to an emergency landing at the Talasea Airfield. Miraculously, the pilot emerged unscathed. However, the aircraft's substantial size and significant damage rendered it immobile. It was subsequently relocated to the side of the runway and salvaged for parts.

Today, the Mitchell stands as a testament to history. It remains untouched at the now-abandoned Talasea Airfield, a silent witness to the past. While no official historical society or museum oversees its preservation, enthusiasts and visitors can easily access the site, offering a tangible link to a bygone era.

Alaska played a pivotal role during World War II as a primary launch point for numerous bombing missions against Japan. Its strategic location placed Japan within the reach of American firepower. Interestingly, there's a World War II plane wreck in Alaska that wasn't a casualty of enemy action, and it remains accessible for visitors today.

On December 9, 1942, a B-24D Liberator bomber met its fate on Atka Island in Alaska. This aircraft had a storied history, participating in multiple missions during the Aleutian Campaign. After its combat days, it transitioned to a weather observation role.

On one mission that featured top brass tagging along, the crew was overwhelmed by the atmospheric conditions, prompting an emergency landing. This quick decision likely spared the crew, with only one injury and no deaths resulting from the incident. Remarkably, the aircraft remained mostly intact, with only the tail separating from the main fuselage and a few tail fins breaking away. The detached fin settled a short distance from the main wreckage.

Today, the plane stands as a testament to its era, largely preserved in its final resting place. Recognized as a c, its sheer size and inherent logistical challenges have left it untouched. Regrettably, over the years, some visitors have taken advantage of its isolation, damaging the aircraft and removing parts as souvenirs or scrap.

World War II saw countless civilians stepping into combat roles, but an equally significant number operated in the shadows as resistance fighters. Among them was the renowned French poet, René Char, who fought valiantly under the pseudonym Captain Alexander. One of his pivotal roles was overseeing a covert parachute drop zone in the quaint town of Simiane-la-Rotonde. This site facilitated the delivery of supplies by Allied forces, which were then discreetly distributed by the French resistance.

On the night of May 10, 1944, an Allied Wellington aircraft, returning from a bombing mission, was struck by German anti-aircraft fire. Severely damaged, the plane could not return to its base. By sheer coincidence, the resistance had illuminated guiding lights for an upcoming parachute drop. Mistaking these for an emergency landing strip, the Wellington's crew attempted a landing. Tragically, the plane crashed, claiming the lives of all onboard. The quick-acting French resistance raced to the scene, but it was too late. They extinguished the flames and respectfully retrieved the fallen crew, initially providing them with a burial. Post-war, these heroes were reinterred in a formal military cemetery.

Today, visitors to Simiane-la-Rotonde can pay their respects at a dedicated memorial. It honors the valiant resistance fighters and includes a special tribute to the Wellington's crew. A fragment of the plane's wreckage, along with the names of its pilot and crew members, stands as a poignant reminder of that fateful night.

World War II, while dominated by tales of combat, also witnessed its share of non-combat tragedies. The urgency of training and deploying pilots sometimes led to unfortunate accidents. One such incident occurred in 1944 atop Mount Humphrey, nestled within the Coconino National Forest. During a training exercise, a B-24 Bomber met a tragic end, crashing into a field due to adverse weather and a misjudgment in altitude. This accident claimed the lives of all eight servicemen onboard.

Given the logistical challenges and costs associated with retrieving the entire aircraft from the mountain, the government opted for a pragmatic approach. They stripped the plane of essential components and then detonated it. Today, remnants of the aircraft linger along the trail. Hikers occasionally catch a shimmer from the wreckage, especially when the sunlight hits the fragments scattered near the trailhead.

Although it can still be visited to this day, the Humphrey's Peak plane crash is difficult to find for several reasons. First, it exploded. The explosion scattered large debris, which, over the decades, has become camouflaged within the natural surroundings. The trail leading to the site is demanding, particularly due to the high altitude, challenging even seasoned hikers. Moreover, the crash site isn't directly on the main trail. After navigating multiple switchbacks, intrepid explorers must venture off the beaten path to a clearing. Here, they'll encounter remnants of the tragedy, including the aircraft's propellers and the scars it left upon impact.