12 Abandoned Plane Crash Sites and US Plane Crashes

There’s a peculiar fascination attached to plane crash sites. These crash sites, especially when left undisturbed, provide a unique snapshot into history.

These US plane crashes often serve as vivid reminders of the perils associated with aviation’s early days, or stark testimonies to more modern tragedies.

Exploring these locations provides an unmatched combination of outdoor adventure and historical discovery. Whether hidden deep within dense forests, perched precariously on remote mountain ranges, or silently resting underwater, these sites invite us into an unusual journey back in time.

The Journey to Abandoned Plane Crash Sites

The thrill of reaching these sites is often marked by challenging trails, hard-to-reach locales, and the exhilarating sense of discovery upon arriving. It’s urban exploration taken to new heights – quite literally in some cases.

However, it’s crucial to remember that venturing into these plane crash sites should be approached with respect. Always adhere to the mantra of ‘take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints’. In addition, safety should be paramount. Navigating to these remote locations often involves inherent risks, and the legality of visiting these sites can vary, so due diligence is essential.

What follows is a curated list of 12 US plane crashes where the wreckage remains.

Note: Many of these locations are in an extremely delicate state. Specifics on locations, such as coordinates or maps, are not given. This is done so purposefully as a barrier to entry to those who may mean harm to these spots. I want to ensure that these abandoned plane crash sites are known about, but stay as vandalism and destruction free as possible. Remember: Take only photos, leave only footprints.

Breakdown: 12 Abandoned Plane Crash Sites

If you have a specific location from the list below that you would like to immediately get more information about, click the links in the list to snap straight to that abandoned plane crash location.

Don’t Forget About Trespassing Laws

Before heading out, it’s important to familiarize yourself with trespassing laws as it relates to the state in which you are exploring. To make things a little easier, I have curated a list of trespassing laws, along with abbreviated overviews, for all 50 states. It can be found here. While some of these crash sites are memorials or on publicly-accessible property, there are quite a few that are on private property. Please be respectful.

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The Top 12 Abandoned Plane Crash Sites

Atka B-24D Liberator, Atka Island, Alaska

The Atka B-24D Liberator, in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, was a bomber intentionally crashed on Atka Island in 1942 during a violent snowstorm, following a failed mission to bomb Japanese-held territory.

The plane’s remote location, along with the island’s harsh weather conditions, have conserved it in a state of ‘frozen decay’, remarkably untouched since the day it crashed. Parts of the aircraft are scattered around the crash site, from its twisted propellers to the largely intact fuselage.

Getting to Atka Island itself is an adventure, requiring either a chartered flight or a trip on a fishing boat.

Theodore Weiss Plane Wreckage, Dunnellon, Florida

Deep within the dense foliage of Florida’s subtropical wilderness near Dunnellon, lies a lesser-known yet intriguing crash site. This is the Theodore Weiss Plane Wreckage, a small private plane that went down in the mid-2010s under mysterious circumstances.

The crash site, located within a short hike from the main road, still houses the remnants of the ill-fated aircraft. Trees and vines have grown over the decaying metal. The mangled fuselage, cockpit, and parts of the wing structure remain among the vegetation.

Humphreys Peak B-24 Wreckage, Coconino National Forest, Arizona

In the Coconino National Forest in Arizona, atop Humphreys Peak, are the remnants of a World War II-era B-24 Liberator bomber. It’s not just the wreckage that’s intriguing, but also the grueling hike to reach it, which is a major part of the appeal to urban explorers and history enthusiasts alike.

The bomber crashed on Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona, in 1944 during a training flight. The wreckage remains as a haunting tribute to the nine crew members who tragically lost their lives. Large sections of the aircraft are still intact and scattered across the mountainside, including pieces of the wings, engines, and fuselage, some of which bear still-visible military insignia.

Corsair Plane Wreck Dive Site, Honolulu, Hawaii

The clear blue waters off the coast of Honolulu, Hawaii, offer a unique underwater plane crash site, the Corsair Plane Wreck Dive Site. This is an adventurous departure from traditional on-land explorations, as this site requires diving gear to access it.

The Corsair F4U plane was used for training purposes during World War II and sank in 1948 after the pilot had to ditch due to engine trouble. The pilot survived. The plane is still on the ocean floor. The plane sits upright in the sand approximately 105 feet beneath the surface, remarkably preserved considering its saltwater environment.

The plane’s fuselage, propeller, and cockpit are still largely intact, and marine life has taken up residence, offering a stunning blend of history and natural beauty. Visiting divers often encounter schools of reef fish, eels, and even sea turtles making their home in and around the wreck.

B-17 Comanche Peak Wilderness Crash Site, Glen Haven, Colorado

Tucked within the rugged terrains of Colorado’s Comanche Peak Wilderness, near Glen Haven, lies the somber remnants of a B-17 bomber crash site. In October of 1943, this Flying Fortress, conducting a cross-country navigation training flight, found itself off course due to poor weather conditions, ultimately leading to its tragic collision with the side of Comanche Peak.

The wreckage site is high in the alpine wilderness. While pieces of the plane have been scattered by the impact and the ensuing years, key sections of the B-17 remain. A hiker who makes the arduous journey will encounter pieces of the plane’s four engines, fragments of the wings, and sections of the fuselage. Ten crew members died in the crash.

The B-17 crash site is a challenging trek, often requiring a multi-day hike through tough wilderness terrain.

B-23 ‘Dragon Bomber’ Wreckage, McCall, Idaho

In the remote wilderness near McCall, Idaho, you can find the unexpected sight of a B-23 “Dragon Bomber” crash site. In January 1943, during a routine training mission, the twin-engine bomber encountered a snowstorm and was forced to make an emergency landing. Miraculously, all eight crew members survived, braving the harsh winter for 15 days before being rescued.

Today, the wreckage of the B-23 Dragon Bomber rests near the shores of Loon Lake. Remarkably, the bomber is largely intact, its durable construction having withstood the elements for over eight decades. Visitors can still see the wings, engines, and even parts of the cockpit.

Access to the site is via a moderate hiking trail through the stunning Payette National Forest.

TWA Flight 260 Crash Site, Albuquerque, New Mexico

At the outskirts of Albuquerque, New Mexico, tucked within the craggy landscape of the Sandia Mountains, is the site of TWA Flight 260’s tragic end. On February 19, 1955, the twin-engine Martin 4-0-4 airliner was en route from Albuquerque to Santa Fe when it deviated from its flight path, crashing into the rugged cliffs of the Sandia crest, claiming the lives of all 16 passengers and crew onboard.

The hike to the crash site is strenuous. It also gives you long views over Albuquerque and the country around it. As you trek up the La Luz trail, you’ll encounter scattered debris from the wreckage, including pieces of the engines, fragments of the aircraft’s body, and even personal belongings from the passengers.

The TWA Flight 260 crash site is now part of the Cibola National Forest. Despite the passage of time, the site remains largely undisturbed.

Wichita State University Plane Crash, Silver Plume, Colorado

October 2, 1970, marks a dark day in US aviation history. A Martin 4-0-4 chartered plane, carrying players, coaches, and supporters of the Wichita State University football team, crashed into the mountains near Silver Plume, Colorado, taking the lives of 31 of the 40 people onboard. The crash occurred during what was supposed to be a scenic detour over the Rocky Mountains, en route to a game in Logan, Utah.

The trek to the crash site is a difficult one, traversing through steep and rocky terrains of the Arapaho National Forest. Strewn among the conifers, hikers can find fragments of the plane’s fuselage, twisted pieces of metal, and even a plaque commemorating the victims of the crash.

Visiting the Wichita State University plane crash site is not just a venture for urban explorers but also a pilgrimage for those connected to the university. Every year, family members and alumni make the journey, paying their respects and remembering the lives abruptly halted that autumn day.

Plane Crash at Waterrock Knob, Sylva, North Carolina

One of the more unexpected and solemn features of the Waterrock Knob trail, located near Sylva, North Carolina, is the wreckage of a Cessna 414 plane. On November 24, 1983, the aircraft, bound for Mississippi from Maryland, tragically crashed into the mountains due to inclement weather, resulting in the deaths of the two occupants.

The hike to the crash site is a moderate, albeit steep climb. As you approach, you’ll see strewn fragments of the plane, swallowed by the dense undergrowth of the forest over the decades.

The Cartersville Abandoned Plane, Cartersville, Georgia

In Cartersville, Georgia, among the open green fields, you’ll discover something most unusual: an abandoned Boeing 747 jumbo jet. This decommissioned plane is not a crash site, but rather it was purposely brought to its resting place and is one of the most unique instances of “aircraft graveyard” in the United States.

The plane is stripped down to its skeletal frame, with the paint faded and peeling. Explorers can observe the plane from the outside, noting the hollowed-out engines and the empty spaces where rows of passenger seats once stood.

Over the years, this abandoned plane in Cartersville has garnered significant attention from urban explorers, aviation enthusiasts, and photographers alike, drawn by the sheer oddity of its presence.

Harrison Plane Crash, Palmer Lake, Colorado

In a secluded area near Palmer Lake, Colorado, the remains of a twin-engine plane crash can be found. This particular site is home to the remnants of a small aircraft that crashed in the early 1960s. The accident, which occurred under unknown circumstances, unfortunately resulted in the loss of all passengers on board.

Access to the crash site is achieved through a challenging hike that climbs over 1,000 feet in elevation. The trail passes through the Pike National Forest. Upon reaching the site, visitors are met with the scattered debris of the plane.

Over time, nature has begun to reclaim the site, with vegetation creeping over the remnants of the plane, slowly swallowing the debris. Still, visitors can make out the plane’s engine, wings, and other fragments, now partially embedded into the earth.

B-18 Bomber Crash Site, North Woodstock, New Hampshire

Located in the depths of the White Mountains of New Hampshire, near the town of North Woodstock, lies the crash site of a B-18 Bomber. The plane was on a routine patrol mission during the Second World War when it tragically crashed into the side of Mt. Waternomee in January 1942. The crew members managed to parachute to safety, but the aircraft was lost.

The journey to the crash site is not an easy one; a strenuous hike that demands respect for the terrain is necessary. The trail weaves through dense forest, eventually leading explorers to the site where aluminum wreckage remains, scattered among the trees and rocks. Fragments of the plane, including parts of the wings, engines, and fuselage, are spread over a large area, illustrating the force of the impact.

Our Final Thoughts on US Plane Crashes and Abandoned Plane Crash Sites

These wrecks are scattered from the Alaskan wilderness to the shores of Hawaii.

Finally, as you plan your exploration, remember to respect these sites. They are not just historical landmarks but also hallowed ground where real-life tragedies unfolded.

Safe travels, and happy exploring!