A recovery team is endeavoring to revive the Kee Bird, a World War II B-29 bomber that has been trapped in the ice of Greenland for over five decades. The aircraft, which originally left Alaska on February 20, 1947, was involved in a Cold War reconnaissance mission aimed at surveying potential Soviet military activity in the Arctic.
Background of the Kee Bird
During its mission, the Kee Bird encountered severe weather and malfunctioning instruments. The situation worsened when the pilot had to perform an emergency landing on a frozen lake in Greenland due to dwindling fuel supplies. Fortunately, all 11 crew members survived this emergency landing and were rescued three days later by the United States Air Force.
Attempts at Recovery
The Kee Bird remained abandoned in the Arctic until a private recovery team led by test pilot Darryl Greenamyer arrived in July 1994. This team aimed to restore the aircraft, with initial efforts focusing on replacing engines, tires, and the electrical power system.
Despite a promising start, the project faced setbacks. The chief engineer’s untimely passing and the onset of harsh winter conditions forced the team to halt their plans. The crew returned to the site in May 1995 to continue their work.
Challenges Faced During the Recovery
- The team attempted to clear the ice to establish a makeshift runway.
- During a taxi test, a makeshift auxiliary power unit’s fuel tank broke loose.
- This incident led to a fire that completely engulfed the aircraft.
The fire caused irreparable damage, and the entire aircraft was declared a total loss. Over the years, the remnants of the Kee Bird have been left to deteriorate in the Greenland ice.
Current State of the Aircraft
Today, as climate conditions change, the aircraft’s heavy engines and remains are gradually sinking into the lake bed. The sight of this once-proud WWII aircraft decaying in isolation raises questions about the fate of historical military artifacts.
Across the globe, there are numerous derelict aircraft in various conditions, from those languishing in Nigeria’s airports to a Lockheed plane attracting tourists in the African desert. The Kee Bird serves as a poignant reminder of the past and the challenges of preservation in remote locations.
