The plane was hit by two German Messerschmitt 109s, one of which was piloted by Horst Rippert, known today as the man who shot down Saint-Exupéry’s plane on July 31, 1944.
How to locate it?
Magnetic prospecting revealed the presence of metal in the depths of the pond, and reconnaissance dives helped locate the heavily silted-up remains of the plane and initiate photogrammetry. Poor visibility conditions, however, made this a difficult undertaking.
And what is its condition?
The Mosquito, which lies at a depth of 6 metres, is badly damaged, consisting of a pile of debris that testifies to the violence of the impact. Nevertheless, the discovery of a few measuring instruments and an oxygen mask enabled us to identify the cockpit area.
The museum’s underwater archaeology unit
These operations were carried out by our underwater archaeologists under the joint direction of David Djaoui and Alain Genot, who also coordinated the work of the various partners.
To find out more about this operation
After an overview of the events that took place in 1944, the people involved and those in charge of the survey will give you an update on the progress of the search for this wreck, based on photos and videos taken in situ.
We invite you to join us for a convivial evening, with light refreshments and musical entertainment. The public will be able to chat with museum staff in the magical setting of the Etang des Aulnes estate.
