Hellcat Drone #1 – Part II (Oxnard — 185 fsw)

Summary

Back in January, we were on the D/V Triton and found an airplane wreck from a target Tyler found. We preliminarily identified it as a Hellcat and likely a drone (F6F-xK). This past week, we went back to the site in order to (a) better document it and (b) find the tail section and identify it. I was with Oleg Baranovsky, Kevin Rodriguez, and Kian Farin.

We succeeded on the first part (details below) but did not find the tail section. However, we have a new lead…

Photogrammetry Model

I had taken quite a few photos on our initial dive but the visibility was pretty limited (it was a little bit better on this dive) and I wasn’t focussed on creating photos for a photogrammetry model.

I have found that when an airplane wreck is a debris field, it is much easier to make sense of where things are in relation to each other with a model. I always form a mental map when I’m diving a site, but the model is more concrete.

In this case, it was a somewhat difficult task since the wing structure was pretty far from the prop AND the ocean floor had a lot of moving seaweed. I had to carefully take photos of areas between the pieces that I thought could be stitched together by the software. Given the tricky conditions, I think the model came out pretty well.

Below is an overview of the site that has been labeled along with some screen captures of some specific details. It is nice how the starfish showed up in the model. I also like how the strawberry anemones show up on the prop and the top of the engine. I’ve also posted a link to the online model.

Site Overview

Detailed Screen Captures

Below are screen captures from the model of both landing gears, the oil cooler, the prop & engine and a different overall site perspective.

Online Model

Below is a link to the online model on Sketchfab:

Next Steps

Danny spent some time looking around with the sonar while we were diving the target. He found something with a sizable return that is relatively close by and about 60 feet south of the primary wreck site.

We need to return to the site and dive that new area and potentially run a line between the two and link them up for an overall photogrammetry model. Also, if we do find the tail, we would like to find the Bureau Number so we can make a positive ID.

I’m not sure when I will get back up to Oxnard to dive the other debris area but hopefully soon….