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COLUMBIA (WACH) - A World War II bomber that's been in the Midlands for 17 years, is now for sale.

Officials with Columbia's Celebrate Freedom Foundation said they want to sell their B-25C bomber because they can't afford to preserve it properly.

Foundation Executive Director Larry Russell said they aquired the plane almost 50 years after it crashed into Lake Greenwood during a training mission.

"Now the story goes, the instructor pilot and the pilot were flying just above the water over Lake Greenwood and were distracted by some young ladies on the beach. The propellar blades hit the water and the next thing they knew the aircraft was going down," said Russell.

Russell said the plane has been stored at Owens Field Aiport since 1992 and was repainted for use in Doolittle Raiders Reunions.

Now Russell said the organization doesn't have the $1 million to upkeep the plane.

"I cant save it, so we're reaching out to someone who can," said Russell.

Russell said several museums have expressed interest, but so far none have made a firm offer.