There’s a massive World War II bomber at the bottom of a lake in Nevada

The American Southwest is in the midst a catastrophic drought.

It’s so bad, in fact, that it’s caused Lake Mead — a massive oasis in the middle of Mojave Desert formed by the Hoover Dam — to recede to the lowest levels ever seen. As of June, water levels were 154 feet below normal.

For the adventurous few, the lower water level is a chance to get closer to history than ever before, up close and personal with a B-29 bomber that has sat on the lake bed for over 70 years.

The B-29 “Superfortress” played many roles in World War II, including carrying the atomic bomb, but this particular plane didn’t make it to the Pacific theater, or even out of Nevada ...

In 1948, while on a secret mission high above the Mojave Desert, this B-29 crashed with five crew members on board, all of whom survived. The plane didn't fare as well.

Today, over 70 years later, the plane remains untouched on the bottom of Lake Mead. Thanks to falling water levels, it’s becoming easier to find and explore.

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