Divers Explore Rare WWII Bomber Preserved in Arizona Lake Since 1948

The B-29 aircraft, the same model that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, has remained remarkably intact at the bottom of Lake Mead for nearly 80 years.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A specialized diving team recently explored a B-29 bomber that has been submerged in Lake Mead, Arizona since 1948 when the aircraft crashed during a guidance system experiment. The plane, which is one of the last intact B-29s from World War II, is remarkably well-preserved due to the fresh water environment.

Why it matters

The B-29 bomber is a significant historical relic from World War II, and its discovery and exploration provides a rare glimpse into the past. The fact that it has remained so well-preserved underwater for nearly 80 years makes it a unique and valuable archaeological find.

The details

In 1948, the B-29 was conducting experiments for missile guidance systems when the pilots misjudged their altitude and the plane crashed into Lake Mead. The crew survived, but the aircraft sank and has remained on the lake bottom ever since. Divers exploring the wreck found that the aluminum fuselage still gleams, and many features like the control wheel, seats, and a parachute remain intact inside the open cockpit, capturing the final moments before the crash.

  • The B-29 bomber crashed into Lake Mead in 1948.
  • The dive team explored the wreck in 2026, nearly 80 years after the crash.

The players

Joel Silverstein

The owner of Tech Diving Limited, who led the expedition to explore the B-29 wreck.

Jonah Silverstein

The diver who operated the boat for the expedition and was struck by the massive size of the aircraft.

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What’s next

The wreck has been designated a historic site and is considered a national treasure, so further preservation and research efforts are likely to continue in the future.

The takeaway

The discovery and exploration of the well-preserved B-29 bomber in Lake Mead provides a rare and valuable glimpse into World War II history, highlighting the significance of preserving such important archaeological finds for future generations.