Bell P39 Airacobra (Wreck) - Iron Bottom Sound

The P39 Airacobra is one of those Iron Bottom Sound wrecks that just makes you grin. She’s mostly intact, sitting upright on a sandy bottom, about 26 metres down. We love seeing the propeller blades still clearly defined and the cockpit, though empty, really brings home the history. It’s an easy dive, a perfect entry into the Solomon’s wreck scene. We’ve found schools of sweetlips hanging around the wings, and lionfish often perch on the fuselage. Look closely, and you’ll spot pipefish hiding amongst the coral growth on the airframe. The visibility here is usually around 20 metres, offering clear views of the plane and the sandy patches where gobies dart about. It’s a compelling site for anyone keen to explore a piece of WWII history that’s become a home for marine life, without demanding deep technical skills.

Location
Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands, Central & South Pacific
Coordinates
-8.408600, 157.314000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15-30m

Wreck History - Bell P39 Airacobra (Wreck)

Year Sunk
1943
Vessel Type
aircraft
Cause
unknown

Lying in the legendary depths of Iron Bottom Sound, this Bell P-39Q Airacobra is a relatively recent discovery, found in April 2011. The wreck is believed to be one of two fighters lost by the USAAF 68th Fighter Squadron during their service in the Guadalcanal campaign. The 68th, known as the "Lightning Lancers," flew grueling combat patrols and ground-attack missions from Henderson Field against entrenched Japanese forces throughout 1943.

This fighter plane now rests upright and is mostly intact, a ghostly memorial to the pilot who flew it. Its location within Iron Bottom Sound places it among the highest concentration of WWII wrecks in the world, a veritable museum at the bottom of the sea. For technical divers, exploring this P-39 is a journey back in time. The aircraft's guns, cockpit, and propeller are still visible, slowly being colonized by marine life but retaining the clear shape of the formidable war machine it once was.

Marine Protected Area: Rendova Harbor

Best Time to Dive in Iron Bottom Sound

The warmest water temperatures in Iron Bottom Sound occur in January, averaging 30.5°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 30.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 30.5°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • February: 30.5°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • March: 30.5°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • April: 30.5°C (air: 26.8°C)
  • May: 30.5°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • June: 30.5°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • July: 30.5°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • August: 30.5°C (air: 26.3°C)
  • September: 30.5°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • October: 30.5°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • November: 30.5°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • December: 30.5°C (air: 26.9°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Iron Bottom Sound

Nearest Dive Centres to Bell P39 Airacobra (Wreck)

Marine Life in Iron Bottom Sound

Home to 415 recorded species including 320 reef fish, 29 hard corals, 18 sea snails & nudibranchs, 16 sea cucumbers, 7 seagrass & algae, 5 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Bell P39 Airacobra (Wreck)

Based on average water temperature of 30.5°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 30°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep is the Bell P39 Airacobra wreck dive site?
The Bell P39 Airacobra wreck lies on a sandy bottom in approximately 27 meters of water. The maximum depth for this dive site is 26 meters, with the overall depth range being 15-30 meters. This makes it accessible for divers comfortable with moderate depths.
What marine life and features can divers expect to see on the Bell P39 Airacobra wreck?
Divers exploring the Bell P39 Airacobra wreck can expect to encounter a mostly-intact Bell P39Q Airacobra fighter plane, offering a fascinating historical feature. The wreck is teeming with marine life, including schools of sweetlip, lionfish, and coral trout. You'll also be delighted by thousands of tiny baitfish and shrimp that call this site home. For more on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
What is the diving difficulty level for the Bell P39 Airacobra wreck, considering its depth and conditions?
The Bell P39 Airacobra wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. With depths ranging from 15-30 meters and a maximum depth of 26 meters, it requires divers to be comfortable with moderate depths. The average visibility of 20 meters generally provides good conditions for exploration.
What is the best time of year or typical conditions for diving the Bell P39 Airacobra wreck?
The provided data indicates an average visibility of 20 meters at the Bell P39 Airacobra wreck, suggesting generally good diving conditions. However, specific information regarding the best time of year to dive this particular site is not available in the current context. For general guidance on seasonal conditions in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Bell P39 Airacobra wreck?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly stated, given the Bell P39 Airacobra wreck is an intermediate dive with depths up to 26 meters, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is generally recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary training and experience for deeper wreck dives. Always check with local dive operators for their specific requirements.
Are there strong currents or challenging conditions typically found at the Bell P39 Airacobra wreck dive site?
The Bell P39 Airacobra wreck is categorized as an intermediate difficulty dive, which implies it may present some moderate challenges, but strong currents are not specifically mentioned in the provided data. Divers can expect an average visibility of 20 meters. It's always wise to consult with local dive centers for the most current conditions and any potential challenges before your dive.