SAN DIEGO -- Salvagers are about ready to recover a World War II Navy dive bomber that's been lying on the bottom of a San Diego reservoir for more than six decades.
Nelson Manville, a city assistant lakes manager, says city and state permits have been obtained for a recovery effort in Lower Otay Reservoir.
The $125,000 salvage operation could take place in the next few weeks.
The SB2C-4 Helldiver was ditched on May 28, 1945, after its engine failed during a practice run. The pilot and gunner swam to shore. The plane was left and forgotten until last year, when a fisherman using an electronic fish finder spotted its outline in 85 feet of water.
The Florida-based National Naval Aviation Museum wants to recover and restore the plane for display.
