In 1991, designed mainly as a proof of
concept salvage mission, a Republic Seabee was recovered from Lake
Washington. Submerged south of Interstate 90 off the East End of Mercer
Island, the plane was discovered, documented, and recovered from a
depth of 73 feet.
The Seabee
was found upside down with the wheels extended as if it had been parked
on land. Little is known about how or when the plane ended up in the
lake. It’s likely that the plane was parked at a nearby airfield and
blown into the lake. Another scenario could have the plane attempting a
water landing. With the wheels down, the plane may have flipped.
This
four-seat single engine amphibian was designed as a low-cost
utilitarian sport airplane. About 1,200 of these seaplanes were built
from 1946 to 1948. There are still as many as 500 in service around the
world. Restored Seabees are worth $50,000 to $60,000.
Republic
Seabee Image Gallery
As
the plane nears the surface the tail and wings appear.
The
fuselage of this aircraft is supported by lilfting bags. In the
background the East Channel Bridge of Interstate 90.
Once secured and floating the Republic Seabee is towed to the
south end of Lake Washington. There the plane was placed on a
flatbed trailer for transportation.
Here
Robert Mester rides on the tail of the Seabee, the recovery mission a
success!
In 1991, designed mainly as a proof of
concept salvage mission, a Republic Seabee was recovered from Lake
Washington. Submerged south of Interstate 90 off the East End of Mercer
Island, the plane was discovered, documented, and recovered from a
depth of 73 feet.
