Diving the B-17F Black Jack Wreck is an incredible experience and what makes it truly special is its remarkable state of preservation.
Resting upright on a sandy seabed in crystal-clear blue waters. With visibility often exceeding 40 meters, the scene is almost surreal, as if stepping into a perfectly staged Hollywood movie set.
The nose is badly crumpled from the impact of the crash landing. And the propellers on the four engines are somewhat twisted…
But the rest of the plane is basically all there which is quite remarkable after over seven decades underwater.
The fact that Black Jack sank within 45 seconds of coming to a halt meant that the crew barely had time to escape, let alone salvage any equipment.
Apart from two waist guns and the radio transmitters, which had been jettisoned before ditching, the aircraft carried everything else with it to the seabed.
When Pierce, Johnson, and Pennefather explored the wreck, they found an astonishing level of preservation.
Machine guns remained in their turrets, hundreds of rounds of ammunition still lined the tracks leading to the guns.
And the twin tail guns could still be moved freely in their mounts.
It was almost as if the plane had been frozen in time!
Diving the B-17F Black Jack Wreck – Hazards…
The depth of the Black Jack wreck at nearly 50m places it at the limits of recreational diving.
While the conditions are generally favorable, with clear water and minimal external obstructions. Bottom time and decompression management are critical to ensure a safe dive.
Two divers are reported to have lost their lives diving Black Jack wreck since it was discovered.
So it has to be said that this is a dive only for competent and experienced divers.
A permanent guideline has been run from the shallow reef top. And around 15m, the wreck becomes visible below – a truly awe-inspiring sight!
There is usually a fairly strong current that sweeps along the slope.
So the line is great to guide you and provide a reference point – particularly so on the way back…
Entry into the plane is possible but given the depth of the wreck and the extreme likelihood of nitrogen narcosis. Together with and all the potential hazards inside, only the most foolish would even consider doing that! A much safer option is to look inside the cockpit, as the windows are open.
The B-17F Black Jack Wreck – Dive Operators
Because of its remote location, options to dive the Black Jack wreck are somewhat limited. In fact there is only really one option now as Rod Pearce, who found the wreck back in 1986, has retired.
Tufi Dive Resort, located on Cape Nelson, dives the Black Jack on special request. It is a about a two hour trip across Collingwood Bay from Cape Nelson to Boga Boga. And you need good weather to do it…
The B-17F Black Jack Wreck – Useful Sites
– By far the most comprehensive site is b17blackjack.com run by Justin Taylan. Who also runs the excellent Pacific Wrecks website and who gave me permission to use the above water images of Black Jack.
– Pacific Wrecks also has a very good section on Black Jack.
– Rod Pearce also has some interesting stuff on his site Nuigini Diving.
Back To: The Complete Guide to the B-17F Black Jack