"Lost and Found: Unraveling the Mystery of a Missing Banshee Pilot"

Mike Barnett and his team venture to the edge of the Bermuda Triangle, aiming to explore an underwater target known as the 540 wreck, a name bestowed upon it by fishermen due to its location over 500 feet beneath the ocean's surface. The team's mission centers on solving an unsolved Bermuda Triangle mystery dating back to February 1958. During this time, a four-member Banshee squadron from the Royal Canadian Navy engaged in joint training exercises with the U.S. Navy off the coast of Florida. As the squadron flew toward a rendezvous with their aircraft carrier under clear skies, they suddenly encountered an intense fog bank that appeared seemingly out of nowhere, reducing visibility to nearly zero. In response to this sudden change in conditions, the squadron leader ordered evasive action to escape the fog. However, only three of the four planes emerged from the fog; the Canadian pilot had vanished within the impenetrable mist and was never seen again.

The team embarks on this mission with the hope of unraveling the mystery surrounding the missing Banshee pilot. They are on a quest to locate evidence that could shed light on the disappearance that occurred within the Bermuda Triangle over six decades ago.

As the team explores the underwater depths, they come across a wreck in the distance. Identifying the plane is a challenging task, but signs suggest it could be a military aircraft. The presence of deployed flaps on the wing indicates that the plane may have been attempting to land when it crashed. This observation leads to the unsettling realization that the pilot might not have been able to eject before the crash. The presence of the intact canopy and ejection seat adds to the intrigue, prompting the team to question whether they have inadvertently stumbled upon a grave site.

As they move forward with their mission, the team decides to pull back temporarily. They have gathered enough information to understand that the aircraft carries a significant story, and they must approach this endeavor with care and diligence.

Jason Harris meets with military aircraft restorer and former combat pilot Roy Stafford to review photographs of the wreck. Their objective is to identify the specific model of the aircraft. Roy's expertise contributes to narrowing down the possibilities. The photos reveal window apertures on the wreck, which indicate that it might be an F2H2P Banshee, a reconnaissance version of the aircraft. Jason inquires about the aircraft models flown by the Canadians during that period. Roy explains that the Canadians operated the F2H3 model, which is different from the specialized spy plane suggested by the wreckage.

The team heads back to sea for their second dive, focusing on locating the tail section of the aircraft and identifying any markings that could help them determine the type of plane. During the dive, they discover the tail of a Banshee spy plane. It is a significant milestone, but they are keen to find markings that will provide more concrete identification.

In a thrilling moment, Mike Barnett spots the letters "P" and "L" on the tail section, which offer essential clues about the aircraft. The team surfaces and determines that these letters are indicative of the air group number. Their research leads them to the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida, where they learn that the aircraft was likely stationed.

As they delve deeper into their investigation, the team attempts to reach out to the historian of the squadron at NAS Jacksonville. Surprisingly, the historian is unaware of any event involving a 2P Banshee being lost. The absence of apparent candidates for this missing spy plane adds another layer of mystery to the story.

To shed light on the mystery, Jason and Mike make contact with Raul Mongiardi, the son of Lieutenant Peter Mongiardi, one of the pilots who flew Banshees. They share video footage of their exploration, revealing the wreckage of an F2H Banshee. Raul offers insights into his father's career, which may provide valuable information regarding the missing aircraft. He learns of the incident report from 1954 when Lieutenant Mongiardi had a successful arrested landing on the USS Lake Champlain aircraft carrier, despite one of the brakes failing. The report indicates that the pilot's escape was not immediate, and he managed to unhook himself and exit the aircraft as it hung off the side of the carrier.

This discovery aligns with the wreckage found during the dive, and it appears to be the same aircraft. The presence of Lieutenant Mongiardi's name on the side of the plane further confirms their findings. Raul is deeply moved by the identification, as it connects him to his father, who lost his life in the skies of Vietnam in 1965.

The team's dedication to unearthing the truth and bringing closure to the service member and their family embodies the military's principle of never leaving anyone behind. Their journey to uncover the story of the missing Banshee pilot is a testament to their commitment to honor those who have served and sacrificed for their country.

In conclusion, the team's mission to explore the 540 wreck in the Bermuda Triangle leads to a remarkable discovery. By identifying the missing aircraft and connecting it to a heroic pilot's story, they provide a sense of closure and recognition to a family that had long sought answers. The saga of the Banshee pilot, lost but not forgotten, serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of those who serve in the armed forces.