WIX Archives
Do 215, some background information
Posted by Cees Broere on Thu Jan 31, 2002 02:50:09 AM
In reply top Cees Dornier 215 pictures posted by Tony on Wed Jan 30, 2002 02:25:05 PM
Thanks for your help Tony,
The aircraft is a D0 215B-2 nightfighter with werknr 0046. It forcelanded on a sandbank in the Waddenzee after an operational sortie in July 1941. The crew got out and were picked up. The whole aircraft was still there when we visited it with the wings level with the sandsurface (at low tide mind you). Most of the wingskins had corroded away exposing the spars and the undercarriage still retracted in the wheel wells, in remarkable good condition. Both engines were recovered (DB601's) of which one is at the museum at Texel. We recovered the other engine and the starboard fuselage side as well as some cockpitfittings like seat frame etc. Much of the fuselage is buried beneath the sand and the tail is some 20 m further from the main wreck.
We hope to go back in the near future and see what else can be recovered because it such a rare aircraft. The problem is that the site is a protected seal reservation so it is very difficult to get permission to visit the site. This has also saved it from destruction. In the same area there should also be a complete four-engined bomber still lying there, waiting to be identified (can't wait, but I have to)
Mind you, I don't do this alone, we have a fairly large organisation with enthusiastic people with many talents.
Cheers
Cees