Omnibus Glacier Girl (Entry 530.JB3822)
Jan 8, 2026
Discover the incredible tale of a WWII fighter plane that crashed in Greenland and was painstakingly recovered over two decades. From exciting Arctic aviation stunts to the harrowing 1942 Lost Squadron incident, the hosts delve into why these planes were abandoned. Hear about the gold rush of private expeditions and the innovative techniques developed to locate the wrecks beneath the ice. The climax features the thrilling excavation of an intact P-38, leading to its stunning restoration. A fascinating journey through history and engineering!
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The Lost Squadron Forced Landing
- In 1942 a flight of eight U.S. planes was forced down on the Greenland ice sheet and the crews camped together until rescue arrived.
- The event became known as the Lost Squadron and was photographed extensively by the stranded pilots.
Planes Became A Moving Landmark
- The abandoned planes served as a visual navigation aid for decades until snow and ice buried them.
- Changing ice accumulation hid the wrecks, turning a known landmark into a decades-long mystery.
Early Recovery Attempts Failed
- Richard Taylor and Pat Epps began searching for the Lost Squadron in 1981 with basic gear and publicity, attracting many eccentric recovery attempts.
- Multiple funded teams failed for years until new methods and equipment were developed.
