| 7 January 1965 |
F-104DJ |
36-5011 |
5W/204sq |
JASDF |
written off |
pilots ok |
| This two-seat Starfighter burned out on the runway at Nyutabaru AB when the pilot aborted the take-off due to a fire. The aircraft was badly damaged and subsequently written off. The wreck of the aircraft was seen at Gifu Air Base in October 1984 and later it was scrapped where the cockpit was saved. Beneath a picture of the aircraft taken on an open house at Itazuke AB in November 1969 (as instructional airframe) and another picture shows the cockpit section around 2020, which can be found preserved today at Seto City, Japan. |
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| This day this aircraft was lost when it crashed in the Bavaria region, near Westernheim and Laichingen, Germany. It was caused by spatial desorientation. The pilot Josef Weiher was sadly killed. |
| 11 January 1965 |
F-104F |
5056/BB+369 |
WS10 |
GAF |
incident |
pilots ok |
| This day this aircraft encountered an incident on the runway of Jever after landing. Its nose wheel collapsed. No injuries and the aircraft could be repaired soon. Below a picture showing the aircraft on the runway. The pilots had already left the aircraft. |
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| 12 January 1965 |
F-104A |
56-851 |
319FiS |
USAF |
written off |
no pilot |
| This F-104 was destroyed by fire in ground-handling/maintenance accident on the flight line at Homestead AFB. While performing a corrosion control treatment of the engine compressor section, a maintenance team hooked up an MA-1A compressor and started the engine while a spray unit was turned on to spray the compressor section of the engine. One maintenance member was in the cockpit. The engine at this time was run without ignition or fuel for 60 seconds. A while later he gave the signal for engine start and the engine spooled up to idle. External electrical power was cut. When the cord was pulled and throttle advanced to ½-to-3/4 (75% RPM) an explosion was heard similar to a gunshot. Fire erupted below the fuselage. A fire extinguisher was used to no effect as the fire was too large. The crew member in the cockpit pulled the throttle back and jumped out of the cockpit. Fire trucks arrived 2-3 minutes later and a helicopter hovered over the fire to dissipate heat. The fire intensified while personnel towed the F-104 away from nearby aircraft as burning fuel from ruptured tanks flowed across the ramp. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair and written-off. Beneath, left, a picture of this 319FiS F-104A on the ramp of Homestead Air Base right after the fire while the fire brigade is still busy. The right picture was taken at Andrews AFB on May 7th, 1964 thanks to Steve Miller. (The International F-104 Society owns a copy of the official accident report) |
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| 14 January 1965 |
F-104G |
FX31 |
1W |
BAF |
incident |
pilot ok |
The aircraft encountered heavy shimmy of the nose wheel during landing at homebase Beauvechain and aircraft likely ran off the runway. The Pilot Adjudant Willy van de Perre was fine. The aircraft was seen flying again soon after.
| 22 January 1965 |
F-104G |
MM6583/5-07 |
5St/102gr |
AMI |
written off |
pilot ok |
This Starfighter crashed near Todi / Fratta Tarolina (PG) not far from homebase Rimini. The pilot, Captain Mauro Catalano ejected safely but was injured. The pilot encountered an engine failure due to loss of thrust (IGV closure issue).
| 27 January 1965 |
F-104G |
FX77 |
10W/31sq |
BAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
| This Starfighter crashed between Helmond and Deurne, The Netherlands, and Antwerpen, Belgium, during a low level navigation flight. Captain Jacques Verhulst (31 Squadron) was sadly killed. Below a picture of the aircraft. (photographer unknown, via Peter Mühlböck) |
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| 1 February 1965 |
F-104G |
FX54 |
10W |
BAF |
incident |
no pilot |
During maintenance on the F-104, the main fuel tank exploded. The left air intake was damaged and there was some fire in the engine which resulted in severe damage to the aircraft on CAT4 level. The aircraft was repaired.
| 8 February 1965 |
CF-104 |
12894 |
4W |
RCAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
| This Baden Solingen based Starfighter crashed into the ground on a low level training exercise. Sadly the pilot, FlLt. James Norman "Jim" Stacey from 421 squadron, did not eject and was killed. Below a picture of 12894, likely taken in Canada prior delivery to Europe (thanks to Klaas Folkersma). |
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| 10 February 1965 |
TF-104G |
D-5802 |
TDM |
KLu |
incident |
no pilot |
While it got maintenance in Hangar 7 at Twenthe Air Base an incident occurred with this two-seater. While pressurizing the front wheel tire this tire exploded. One of the two maintenance persons involved was severely injured. Due to this explosion also the front wheel collapsed slamming the aircraft down on its nose. The engineer inside the cockpit was slightly injured. The aircraft was repaired and could fly again soon.
| 17 February 1965 |
F-104G |
7073/DC+253 |
JBG33 |
GAF |
incident |
pilot ok |
| This Starfighter was severely damaged when during the run-up on the runway (for takeoff) the left main landing gear cylinder of the main landing gear buckles broke. The aircraft went to Messerschmitt for repair and came back to Buchel AB on October 31, 1966. |
| 22 February 1965 |
CF-104 |
12884 |
4W/444sq |
RCAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| This Baden Solingen based CF-104 starfighter suffered an engine-fire during flight and crashed near Remiremont, France. The pilot, SL. Richard. William “Dick” Spencer of 444 squadron ejected safely. See also more information and pictures regarding this accident in France in one of our International F-104 Society posts: Story about the crash of 12884 in France by Yves Philippe - International F-104 Society International F-104 Society The picture below was taken at Canadair facilities in Montreal when the aircraft just had been manufactured, by Bob McIntyre, and also a newspaper article, thanks to Yves Philippe. |
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| 24 February 1965 |
F-104C |
56-931 |
435TFS |
USAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| This F-104C crashed West of Cuddeback Dry Lake, California, following and engine stall. The aircraft was destroyed, pilot Captain Charles E. Connors Jr. (TAC, 435 TFS, 479 TFW) safely ejected. Mission was a 4-ship formation departing George, with low-level navigation to Cuddeback Air-To-Ground Gunnery Range, and return. Captain Connors acted as flight leader. T/O was normal in 2-ship formation elements low-level to Cuddeback. Skip bomb and rocket runs were accomplished with no difficulties. Captain Connors completed the first dive bomb run and was climbing back to traffic pattern altitude when aircraft difficulties started. In a left climbing turn at 4,500-5,000’ AGL at 310 knots, full military throttle, in a 1.5-to-2G turn, Captain Connors heard an explosion and rumbling. RPM began decreasing through 90%, EGT was 560 degrees, nozzle 9.5, with no fire indication. The engine had stalled…He attempted two stall clearings with no success. At 3,000’ AGL Captain Connors prepared to abandon the aircraft. He lowered his visor, tightened the chin strap, jettisoned the canopy, and pulled the ejection ring. The canopy and e-seat operated normally. Then he felt the pilot/seat separator operate, and attempted to deploy his parachute. The automatic parachute opening system did not open the chute. Several attempts were made to grasp the old type “D” ring which he was used to using. He then reached for the “T” handle and the parachute deployed. The remainder of the flight capped the crash until the pilot was picked up by ambulance. Captain Connors was taken to the range complex and later returned to George AFB by helicopter. The aircraft crashed 43 nautical miles and 334 degrees from George AFB (West of Cuddeback Dry Lake range) and was destroyed. Below a picture of the aircraft a number of years before, at Calorado Spings in November 1959. (Thanks to Robert Sullivan). (The International F-104 Society owns a copy of the official accident report) |
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| 24 February 1965 |
RF-104G |
8189/BB+239 |
WS10 |
GAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
This Starfighter crashed near homebase Jever after encountering afterburner-failure during takeoff. Pilot Hptm Günther Lorentz was sadly killed.
| 9 March 1965 |
F-104G |
7139/DD+240 |
JBG34 |
GAF |
incident |
pilot ok |
| On takeoff at homebase Memmingen the nose wheel of this Starfighter broke and the aircraft run off the runway. The pilot was safe. The aircraft went to Manching MTT industry for repair on May 19th, 1965 and returned back to Memmingen after repair on February, 24th 1966. |
| 10 March 1965 |
F-104G |
FX79 |
10W |
BAF |
incident |
pilot ok |
| This Naval F-104G crashed near Blauortsand after touching the water during a low level navigation mission. Pilot OltzSee Peter Baumann (25) was sadly killed. |
| 18 March 1965 |
F-104G |
8041/JA+107 |
JG71 |
GAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| This Starfighter run off the runway during the take off at homebase Wittmund. The nose wheel lift-off did not happen and the aircraft took the barrier, but this barrier cable broke and the F-104G was heavily damaged while skidding in the grass. Pilot OFw Reinhard Wicke was rescued safely. The repair was planned but the damage was structural and beyond economical repair costs and so not completed. When damage analyses was ongoing the aircraft was used as instructional airframe with LPR1 and TSLw1 in 1966. Then it was struck off charge officially on June 8, 1967, and it became an official instructional airframe with TSLw 2 in 1968 and later also an instructional airframe at Lechfeld AB. Below a picture of the aircraft taken at the crash site (Luftwaffe). |
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| 19 March 1965 |
F-104C |
56-887 |
476TFS |
USAF |
incident |
pilot ok |
On this day this F-104C encountered an accident at George AFB. It made a barrier engagement when the drag chute failed to deploy and the right main tire blew after heavy braking. The aircraft was damaged but the pilot Captain Jack L. Symonds (476TFS).was uninjured and evacuated the aircraft unassisted.. During touchdown on Runway 21 at George AFB and at nose wheel touchdown the drag chute did not deploy. Airspeed was 155 knots. At the 4,000’ marker the pilot initiated moderate braking after being informed by Tower that he had no drag chute. At the 3,000’ marker his speed was 130 knots and he started heavy braking and called taking the barrier. Captain Symonds instructor pilot (who had already landed and was looking back at Symonds) noted smoke coming from Symonds’ main wheel area and advised him not to blow a tire and to lower his tail hook. Captain Symonds deployed his hook but was veering left. His right main tire had blown approximately 415 ft from the barrier. He continued to veer left, passed over the BAK-9 tail hook cable and engaged the MA1A barrier at about a 10 degree angle at a point 30 ft from the left hand edge of the runway. The barrier missed the right main gear but engaged the left main gear. The aircraft continued into the overrun and pivoted to the left causing the nose gear to cross the barrier chain and collapse. The aircraft continued sliding and came to rest broadside to the runway with the aircraft over the barrier chain at a point 360 ft from the MA1A barrier stanchion with the nose wheel 14 ft off of the overrun. Picture below shows the aircraft at Bradley Field, a few months earlier on October 3rd, 1964.
(The International F-104 Society owns a copy of the official accident report)
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| 19 March 1965 |
RF-104G |
8155/EA+243 |
AG51 |
GAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
| This Recce Starfighter crashed at Sachsenrieder Forst near Kaufbeuren, Germany, after touching the ground during a low-level mission. Pilot Fw Hans Prams was sadly killed. |
| 23 March 1965 |
F-104G |
FX76 |
10W |
BAF |
incident |
pilot ok |
| This aircraft was CAT 1 damaged due to a bird strike in flight. Pilot Captain H. Verbruggen landed the aircraft safely and it could be repaired soon. |
| 25 March 1965 |
F-104G |
FX18 |
1W |
BAF |
incident |
pilot ok |
| During take-off from homebase Beauvechain, the pilot retracted its landing gear too soon and the aircraft hit the runway, luckily being able to continue its take-off and return safely to base. The damage was not extensive and it could be repaired soon. The pilot Cdt. André Richir was ok. |
| 29 March 1965 |
CF-104 |
12797 |
427sq |
RCAF |
incident |
pilot ok |
| This day F/L Wiliam Thomas "Willie" Floyd (427 Squadron) was flying this CF-104 on a low level route when on acceleration to 540 kts the undercarriage fell down. Extensive damage to the main gear doors, left wing leading edge and fuselage skin caused the pilot to land successful without further incident at Spangdahlem Air Base. The aircraft could be repaired soon again. Below a picture of the aircraft with 3W markings, thanks to James Craik. |
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| 31 March 1965 |
F-104G |
62-12327 |
144filo |
TurkAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
This Murted based Starfighter was written off when it crashed in Turkey. Sadly there are no more details known. The pilot was safe.
| 15 April 1965 |
F-104J |
46-8643 |
6W/205sq |
JASDF |
written off |
pilot killed |
This Starfighter crashed into the sea near Ishikawa-Pref. (North of Komatsu AB) while holding during approach on Komatsu AB. (2:42PM) Pilot Captain Masahiro Hanatani was sadly killed.
He was with 3 other aircraft which took off 14:29h at Komatsu AB for an intercept training mission. After takeoff, the third and fourth aircraft did not succeed in closing the front landing gear doors completely. So both did a lower and up cycle again. The 3rd aircraft (with Captain Hanatani) still suffered a non-closed door after this retry. So, 14:31h, the flight leader ordered Captain Hanatani to land with landing gear extended, and fourth aircraft to join first and second aircraft. At 14:33h, Komatsu AB instructed the pilot to land after 10 minutes, and asked pilot if he announced emergency. The pilot replied no. At 14:35h, at 12,000' above Komatsu AB, an ascending jet trainer pilot witnessed the accident aircraft. At 14:39h, Komatsu AB asked time of arrival at initial point for landing. The pilot replied 'After 3 minutes'. Initial point was 4 miles from runway, altitude 1,500'. After minutes of silence, at 14:42:47h, pilot suddenly announced 'Bail out'. Komatsu mobile control asked pilot's condition. At 14:42:53, pilot replied he entered a spin. Then the aircraft crashed into the sea, 7 miles North from Komatsu AB. Just before crash, the pilot ejected, while the aircraft was diving and spinning. Sadly the pilot did not survive the ejection.
| 16 April 1965 |
F-104G |
62-12312 |
4510CCTW |
USAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
This Starfighter crashed at 14:21 MST at the rear of a supermarket 6 ½ NM South East of Luke AFB. The Pilot (German Navy) KKpt Helmut Groh was sadly killed. The crash was caused by the fact that the canopy was not secured before takeoff. Investigation revealed that the canopy departed the aircraft 1,5 miles after the end of the runway, it was found around 2 miles from the end of the runway. It probably hit the pilot hard and made him unconsciousness. Instructor Jim Sherman flew aside the aircraft on the flypath down and noticed the canopy missing and found the pilot not responding to any radio contact. This F104G was used at Luke together with more Starfighters in some kind of MAP-training pool within the 4510CCTW. The Starfighter was owned by the USAF and not yet assigned to a MAP-country. The aircraft had 267 flying hours. The pictures below show this Starfighter at Luke in 1964 and as wreck on the day of the accident (Luftwaffe Press).
(The International F-104 Society owns a copy of the official accident report) |
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| 23 April 1965 |
F-104G |
7045/DC+108 |
JBG33 |
GAF |
incident |
pilot ok |
| This day this aircraft encountered an incident during the landing on the runway at Büchel. It looks like it made a belly landing. Pilot was fine and the aircraft could be repaired. Pictures below shows the aircraft on the runway just before it was recovered. (Luftwaffe) |
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| 23 April 1965 |
F-104C |
56-894 |
436TFS |
USAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
On this day at 14:15h, Captain Charles Lescher took off on a local clearance for a gun firing flight test at Cuddeback Air to Ground Gunnery Range. The purpose of the flight was to test and confirm that the gun would operate normally after some recent problems with it in the past. The aircraft was configured with pylon tanks, refuelling boom and tip launcher rails. This was the second mission on this date. Upon entry onto the range, Captain Lescher made two dry strafing passes followed by four live firing passes using short firing bursts, as briefed. The gun stopped firing after the fourth pass when the armature of the forward gun motor shorted out. He recycled the armament switches while attempting several more firing passes, but the gun would not fire again. With 2100 pounds of fuel remaining, he received clearance from the range officer to overfly the right range while departing the range complex. He completed a left turn and proceeded south bound. Approaching the strafe panel targets, he selected afterburner to climb at 430 KIAS from approximately 500 feet AGL. Upon initiation of a slight climb and about 400 KIAS, the forward front main gear doors opened. At this point, the right forward door opened beyond limits, striking the inboard portion of the right leading edge flap which in turn broke off and contacted the leading edge of the left horizontal stabilizer. The aircraft was then soon to yaw severely to the left and the nose pitched up followed by an aerial explosion. Major portions of the aircraft separated into three distinct parts being the radome, the cockpit forward of the armament bay and the engine with remaining wing and empenage sections. The pilot evidently ejected during or just after this explosion. The aircraft contacted the ground approximately 1.5 Miles after the inadvertent gear door opening. The aircraft wreck was found 41 NM North of George Air Force Base. The pilot was safe. The picture below shows this aircraft in exact the same configuration as it was lost in 1965. The picture was taken at Kleine Brogel Air Base, Belgium, June 24th, 1962 when it was deployed in Europe (thanks to Carlo Guys).
(The International F-104 Society owns a copy of the official accident report) |
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| 23 April 1965 |
RF-104G |
8108/EA+108 |
AG51 |
GAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| This Recce Starfighter crashed near Aich, Germany, due to an engine failure. Pilot Fw Josef Heidler ejected safely. Below a picture of this aircraft taken somewhere in 1964 (Thanks to Klaus Kropf). |
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| 26 April 1965 |
TF-104G |
5729/TA+163 |
MFG1 |
GNavy |
written off |
pilots ok |
| The two-seater Starfighter crashed into Jadebusen after encountering an open-nozzle problem causing problems with the thrust of the engine. Both pilots OltzS Klaus Rösner and OltzS Heinz-Ulrich Lutz ejected safely. |
| 27 April 1965 |
CF-104 |
12708 |
3W/430sq |
RCAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| This Starfighter was written off after an aborted take-off from its home base Zweibrucken. The pilot, FlLt. Leo O'Donovan evacuated the aircraft unhurt. The pilot was taking off on a night sortie when suddenly his nose wheel collapsed. He pulled his chute and it tore right off, he was standing on the brakes, he dropped the hook and pulled cable through and went through a fence and was going down the hill at the end of the runway when his gear folded up and he finally stopped already with the canopy blown and at the same time the aircraft was engulfed in flames as the pilot scrambled out of the cockpit running for safety. When the firetruck got to him, he was sitting under a tree. Below two RCAF pictures (thanks to Daniel O'Dovonan) showing the aircraft and the runway. Pictures of CF-104 12708 are rare, below 1 known picture taken in Montreal (thanks to Klaas Folkersma) |
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| 4 May 1965 |
CF-104 |
12878 |
4W |
RCAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
This Baden-Sollingen based aircraft crashed this day after an inflight engine-fire, 6 miles N of its home base. The pilot, FlLt. Ron C. Beehler, ejected safely.
| 5 May 1965 |
F-104G |
FX44 |
10W |
BAF |
incident |
pilot ok |
| During landing with crosswind this aircraft touched the runway with its left and right tip tanks and the under wing pylon tanks. Pilot Captain Victor Slegers was ok and the aircraft was seen flying again soon after. |
| 11 May 1965 |
F-104G |
7030/DA+231 |
JBG31 |
GAF |
incident |
pilot ok |
| This F-104G run off the runway of Leeuwarden AFB when the pilot experienced a nose wheel steering problem during the strong cross-wind conditions. The landing gear broke off. Later TF-104G DA+361 came to Leeuwarden Air Base to pick up the pilot Olt. Klaus Herter. The aircraft could be repaired soon. Below a picture showing this F-104G landing somewhere around 1965 (Flash Archives) and a newspaper article (via AGL). |
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| 12 May 1965 |
F-104G |
2094/DC+245 |
JBG33 |
GAF |
incident |
pilot ok |
| This day this aircraft encountered an incident on the runway after landing. It went off the runway and its nose wheel collapsed. Pilot was fine and the aircraft could be repaired. Picture below shows the aircraft in the grass with the nose wheel and fuel tanks separated. (Luftwaffe) |
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| 13 May 1965 |
F-104G |
2018/63-13236 |
CCTW/4518CCTS |
GAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
This Starfighter crashed near Gila Bend, Arizona after it touched the ground during shooting exercise. Pilot was Captain Daryl Eugene Roth who was assigned to the 4518th CCTS, Luke AFB as IP on instructor course. Flight briefing was at 08:00 MST and the planning was to fire rockets and drop bombs at Gila Bend Gunnery Range nr6. The flight consisted of three German students and himself. Special note was made in the briefing of range 6 altitudes (4200 feet MSL for rockets and 4700 feet MSL for bombs). Captain Roth briefed he would fire his first rocket with the pipper on the bull and the flight could adjust for winds from his hit. In total 4 rockets and 4 bombs. The aircraft for this flight were configured with two full 170-gallon tip tanks and full external fuel. The armament consisted of 100 rounds of 20mm ball ammunition, one SUU-21A dispenser loaded with four Mk76 bombs and four 2.75 rockets. Two on each wing, loaded in MA-2 pylon-mounted rock launchers. Start engine time was 9:40 MST and takeoff was at 10:02 MST. They left for Range 6. They checked in at the range at 10:10 MST. Captain Roth instructed the flight to make their own range check and turn off the automatic pitch control (APC) switch. A spacer pass was made and Captain Roth called off with 3900 lbs. of fuel internally and 900 lbs. in each tip. The first pass was dry. On the second pass, Captain Roth rocket hit was 190 feet at four'o clock. He advised the Range Officer to void the rocket as it appeared to be wild. Then the three German students followed. Then Captain Roth rolled in for another pass and continued in the dive after releasing his rocket. It appeared that he was recovering, however, the aircraft made contact with the ground and exploded on impact. Time was 10:18 MST. It contacted the ground almost level, slightly right wing first. Captain Roth made no emergency radio transmissions and no apparent attempt to eject and was tragically killed.. The aircraft had 305 flying hours.
(The International F-104 Society owns a copy of the official accident report). |
| 13 May 1965 |
F-104G |
MM6582/5-? |
5St/101gr |
AMI |
incident |
pilot ok |
| This Starfighter suffered CAT3 damage at Grosseto. The pilot, serg. Franscesco Spina, was unhurt. The aircraft could be repaired. The pilot decided to make an emergency landing after experiencing a flame-out probably caused by the activation of the shut-off valve O Failure of the H.F.C.U. |
| 13 May 1965 |
TF-104G |
5733/DA+366 |
JBG31 |
GAF |
incident |
pilots ok |
| It suffered a mid-air collision this day during night radar low level mission with a German Luftwaffe Noratlas transporter (GB+239 of LTG 62). The TF-104G made a successful emergency landing at Hopsten AB, the Noratlas transporter landed safe as well. The Starfighter was repaired by Messerschmitt along 1965 and it came back to JaboG 31, Nörvenich, on April 29, 1966. Below a picture taken of this TF-104G probably not long before the accident, its serial still without the white contrast-lines, after the repair the serial had been updated. The other picture (Luftwaffe Archives) shows the damage, taken at Hopsten just after it arrived the day of the collision (thanks to Peter Mühlböck) |
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| 16 May 1965 |
CF-104 |
12879 |
CEPE |
RCAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
| This Starfighter had completed overhaul at Scottish Aviation, Prestwick, and was under acceptance test by the Central Experimental and Proving Establishment (CEPE). It struck the Irish Sea surface, 5 NM off Stranraer, Scotland, on a low-level radar-test flight near the Scottish coast. The pilot, FlLt. Ian W. McKnight, maintenance test pilot with Scottish Aviation Ltd, did not eject and was sadly killed. |
| 18 May 1965 |
F-104C |
56-921 |
435TFS |
USAF |
incident |
pilot ok |
This aircraft encountered an accident at Fort Campbell IAP but could soon be repaired. The pilot Captain Charles E. Connors Jr. was ok. He was scheduled for a Red Chip VI practice demonstration mission from Fort Campbell, Kentucky. A general mission briefing was conducted at 12:15 CST, followed by a flight briefing. The specific flight was a high speed pass and intercept of T-33 aircraft over the Fort Campbell range impact area. During the walk-around no discrepancies were noted and the aircraft was started at 14:55 CST. Capt Connors signaled the crew chief to disconnect the external starting air at 40% rpm at the same time Capt Connors actuated the stop-start switches. The engine ROM stabilized at 67%. At this time the external starting hose was disconnected from the aircraft and the MA-2 Multi Purpose starting unit was driven to another aircraft. Capt Connors proceeded with the pre-taxi checks. The engine was accelerated to 75% rpm to complete the hydraulic checks and to accomplish the minimum fuel flow check. Then there was a mild explosion and a jolt felt in the cockpit. All engine instruments indicated normal. Another mild explosion quickly followed at which time Capt Connors immediately stop cocked the throttle and evacuated the aircraft. The engine starter had disintegrated and parts of the starter turbine wheel were propelled through the upper right and lower left portions of the fuselage. Gladly no one got hurt but the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
(The International F-104 Society owns a copy of the official accident report). |
| 2 June 1965 |
F-104G |
2055/DA+103 |
JBG31 |
GAF |
incident |
pilot ok |
| This Nörvenich based Starfighter collided in the air with a DO-28 (D-IBBW) near Rhens/Koblenz, Germany but could land safely at Nörvenich. There was substantial damage to the starboard side wing and external tip tank (partly gone). Aircraft could be repaired soon. Pilot Hptm Siegfried Heltzel landed with a record breaking 435 kmh. Below a picture showing the damage on the F-104G (Luftwaffe). |
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| 3 June 1965 |
F-104C |
56-904 |
435TFS |
USAF |
incident |
pilot ok |
| Five minutes after takeoff from Clark AFB, Philippines (8:30 local time), the forward compartment of the left tip tank of this Starfighter appeared to explode or rupture. Metal from the tip tank struck and attached itself to the left side of the horizontal stabilizer. Tips were then jettisoned and straight in take-off flap landing was made without further accident. The horizontal stabilizer needed to be replaced due to the damage of the tip tank and a small dent in landing edge had to be repaired. The left landing light was broken, and the left landing gear required thorough inspection. The aircraft was repaired soon. The pilot Capt. Donald E. Roberts was okay. |
| 8 June 1965 |
F-104G |
MM6564/4-36 |
4St/10gr |
AMI |
written off |
pilot killed |
| This Starfighter crashed into sea (mare al largo di Termoli (CB)) near Vasto, off Chieti, which is not far from home base Grosseto. due to a technical cause (flame out). The pilot, Ten. Giovanni Ghezzi was sadly killed. The aircraft had flown 165.35hrs. Below a rare picture of this Starfighter with its crewchief Pietro Corso (via Pietro Corso). |
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| 9 June 1965 |
CF-104 |
12725 |
6STR-OCU |
RCAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| This aircraft crashed after pilot, FO. Garry Warren Sanderson, lost control due to an undetermined technical malfunction while on final approach to home base Cold Lake. The pilot was on his first CF-104 solo. On the turn to final, the engine failed forcing him to successfully eject at very low altitude. |
| 11 June 1965 |
CF-104 |
12871 |
4W |
RCAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| This aircraft faced a compressor stall shortly after take-off from home base Baden-Sollingen and crashed near Wernersberg, Germany. The pilot, FO. Donald “Don” Caldwell ejected safely but hung in a tree for 20 minutes before being rescued. He was picked up by a USAF rescue helicopter. Below a picture, taken by Bob McIntyre, showing the aircraft at Montreal (prior delivery to Europe) and a picture showing F/O Caldwell being picked up by a USAF rescue helicopter (RCAF). |
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| 11 June 1965 |
F-104G |
8039/JA+235 |
JG71 |
GAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
| This Starfighter crashed after the pilot OFw Günther Pethke (28) encountered spatial disorientation during a night low-level navigation mission of forest area. He was sadly killed. The aircraft crashed near Eisbergen and Porta Westfalica, Germany. |
| 12 June 1965 |
F-104G |
9047/DA+259 |
JBG31 |
GAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| This Starfighter crashed near the Suippes range in France due to an engine failure. It happened during the Tactical Weapons Meet at Chaumont Air Base where it participated. It crashed in a field, about 1 km from Mahrecourt, France, near the range. During the third approach for an air-to-ground attack, the aircraft suddenly encountered an engine compressor stall and subsequent rapid loss of altitude. The Pilot Hptm Günther Angermann (29) ejected in time and was unhurt. Below a picture taken 11 days before the accident when the aircraft visited Leeuwarden Air Base on June 1st. (Thanks to Gerrit Hiemstra) and a picture taken at the crash site (Luftwaffe Archives, thanks to Peter Mühlböck) |
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| 14 June 1965 |
F-104G |
9149/DF+123 |
JBG36 |
GAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
| This Rheine-Hopsten based Starfighter crashed near Kohlen, Germany, after it suffered from an engine-failure. The pilot OFw Klaus Göweke was sadly killed. |
| 17 June 1965 |
QF-104A |
56-735 |
3205DS |
USAF |
written off |
no pilot |
| This drone Starfighter QFG-735 was shot down this day during AIM-7 missile testing by the US Navy (probably by an F-4). It was completely destroyed. It was flying a drone-mission without pilot. Below a picture showing this drone Starfighter at Eglin Air Force Base being prepared for another mission. |
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| 17 June 1965 |
QF-104C |
57-926 |
436TFS |
USAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
This Starfighter crashed on landing at home base George AFB. It went through seven rows of approach lights at the end of the runway. The first impact ripped off the centreline mounted MN-1A weapon dispenser. The pilot Major William Ward tried to eject but the ejection seat could not go up and its rocket motor melted down through the middle of the F-104. The pilot could step out of the wreck but was injured. It crash-landed short of Runway 16 at George AFB following engine flame-out as the aircraft circled the base with landing gear problems. On the downwind leg Major Ward pulled the manual landing gear release handle with no apparent effect. This reassured him that the gear were down and he continued his second approach. On final approach Mobile Control advised him that his gear were up. He also was still indicating 1,700 lbs of fuel but the FUEL LOW light was on. Another go-around was made so Major Ward could get his gear down. He checked all circuit breakers, pulled the manual gear release handle, and put some positive G force on the aircraft. An F-4C joined up with Major Ward and informed him that his gear were down even though Major Ward felt no apparent results and was preparing to bail out. Major Ward headed the F-104 to Runway 16 knowing he was low on fuel. The aircraft then flamed out from fuel starvation and impacted 900 ft short of the runway overrun. The aircraft was extensively damaged but there was no fire. The pilot received major injuries including compression lumbar fractures.
(The International F-104 Society owns a copy of the official accident report). Below some pictures provided by USAF showing the crash site after the accident and a picture showing the aircraft still in operation. |
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| 18 June 1965 |
NF-104A |
56-756 |
ARPS |
USAF |
incident |
pilot ok |
This Rocket powered Starfighter suffered severe damage when its rocket engine system caught fire. Pilot Capt Frank Elmer Liethen Jr. (member of the staff of the ARPS and related to 6515 OMS, AFFTC) was unhurt. The NF-104A suffered a peroxide rocket motor explosion and fire resulting in fire damage to the right wing and parts of the fuselage. The aircraft was landed safely at Edwards AFB. The aircraft sustained $14,407 and 1,155 man hours’ worth of damage. Captain Liethen flew an energy management zoom mission on this day as a member of the ARPS staff. A successful zoom was made reaching a peak of 98,850’ using a small amount of RCS maneuvering (but not the RCS dampers). Minimum velocity of 710 knots ground speed was observed by SPORT, ground speed at start of pull-up (35,000’) was 1,070 knots with a pitch angle of 44.5 degrees. Descent from the zoom was normal and the pilot set up for approach to Edwards, although he had a low fuel state. As he began throttle advancement the speed brakes were actuated to the closed position and a “thump” was felt and heard. The pilot immediately retarded the throttle and all engine and hydrogen peroxide (for the rocket engine) gauges were checked and appeared normal. An emergency was declared. The chase F-104 formed up with Captain Liethen and noted no smoke or structural damage. Landing was made to Runway 04 at Edwards with a touchdown about 5,000’ down the runway using t/o flaps and speed brakes. The aircraft was rolled to the end of the runway and turnoff made to the east taxiway. As Captain Liethen proceeded up the taxiway, followed by three fire trucks, after passing the tower they radioed him that he appeared to be siphoning fuel or smoke from the right wing. The pilot then observed smoke streaming from the right wing. He then proceeded as fast as possible to the NF-104 peroxide fueling area for emergency dumping of the H2O2. Water sidelines from the two fire engines and one fixed hose at the fueling area were used to keep the right wing cool and extinguish the fire. Captain Liethen escaped without injury.
(The International F-104 Society owns a copy of the official accident report) |
| 19 June 1965 |
F-104G |
63-12726 |
114Pt/335Mira |
HAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
| This Starfighter was written off when it crashed during the landing at Tanagra AFB at 11:15h local time. The pilot 1st Lt Stylianos Nikolaou of 114PM/335Sqn was sadly killed. There have been many statements around the cause of the accident. Most recently it was reported that during landing with a cross wind of 10-18 Knots, it veered off R/W , the aircraft broke up and caught fire, crashed and was totally destroyed and pilot was killed. Main cause: The “ground air safety switch” did not energize on time in conjunction with the cross wind. The pilot failed to recognize the situation and he did not set the switch in the off position, and the ANTI-SKID switch for mechanical braking as well. He also didn’t lower the HOOK in time for engagement to the BAK-9 emergency arresting system. Below a scan of a newspaper article thanks to Dimitris Adamopoulos. |
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| 22 June 1965 |
RF-104G |
8136/EA+120 |
AG51 |
GAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
| This recce Starfighter crashed near Laon, France, after encountering problems with its flaps and undercarriage. It struck a tree and crashed into a field. Pilot Hptm Heinz Otto Hartung was sadly killed in this accident. Below a picture of the aircraft taken a year earlier, in 1964. (Thanks to Klaus Kropf). |
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| 22 June 1965 |
F-104G |
9060/DC+257 |
JBG33 |
GAF |
incident |
pilot ok |
| This German F-104G participated in the Tactical Weapons Meet exercise at Chaumont AB, France, when during the landing pilot Olt Klaus Lohn was not able to keep the aircraft on the runway due to a severe crosswind. made a hard landing on the rollover strip facing strong crosswinds. The aircraft jumped back into the air, touched the ground with the right main landing gear and the right tip tank, then jumped up again and entered a dangerous banked position. Unless the 0 altitude the pilot activated the ejection seat. He was injured but safe. The aircraft could be repaired. Below a picture of the aircraft taken after the accident (Luftwaffe) |
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| 25 June 1965 |
RF-104G |
MM6659 |
Aeritalia |
AMI |
written off |
pilot ok |
| This RF-104G Starfighter, still not delivered to the Italian Air Force, crashed near Carignano (TO) during a factory test flight. The civil pilot, Vittorio Sanseverino ejected safely but was injured. The cause was a flame-out due to a fuel pump failure. It was meant to be delivered to 5 Stormo at Rimini soon. |
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| 29 June 1965 |
F-104C |
56-937 |
476TFS |
USAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| Based at Da Nang Air Base in South East Asia, this Starfighter crashed 100nm S/SW of Da Nang after being shot down by Anti-Aircraft-Artillery ground fire. It happened during bomb/strafe with 2/M117 750# bombs, and 750 rds of 20 mm. The pilot Capt. Richard R. Cole was rescued with minor injuries. Below a picture taken at Da Nang showing the aircraft not long before it was lost (thanks to Hubert Peitzmeier). |
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| 29 June 1965 |
F-104G |
7071/DC+126 |
JBG33 |
GAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| This Büchel based Starfighter crashed after a combination of being hit by lightning-strike and facing spatial disorientation. It crashed near Grossouire, France. The pilot Olt Helmar Habig ejected safely at 12000 ft. It flew on a high-level night mission when the aircraft got hit by lightning which resulted in the loss of the cabin pressure and failure of all cockpit lighting. In combination with the night circumstances the pilot got disoriented and finally decided to eject. Below a picture of this F-104, likely taken early 1965 at Buchel (Thanks to Peter Doll). |
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| 1 July 1965 |
F-104G |
2045/DA+243 |
JBG31 |
GAF |
incident |
pilot ok |
| This day this aircraft got severely damaged when it ran off the runway during take-off due to a severe nose wheel shimmy. The aircraft went to MBB by truck for repair and came back to Nörvenich on September 9th, 1966. Below a picture of this aircraft taken in 1964 (via Ebay). |
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| 2 July 1965 |
F-104G |
2011/63-13230 |
CCTW |
GAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
| This F-104G crashed after an undetermined malfunction of the flight-control system caused by a broken towed dart. The pilot, USAF Captain Ronald Dinn (IP), was sadly killed. It crashed ½ NM S of from the end of Rwy 21L of Luke AFB at 09:31 MST. Captain Ronald Dinn (US IP) was primary dart tow for a flight of 3 with 2 German students. During start-up checks the shaker activated at a value of 2 in lieu of 4.5. After several checks Captain Dinn taxied out. Shortly after liftoff the upper fin of the dart broke off and the aircraft started a left turn and roll. As the roll could not be stopped but continued Captain Dinn decided to eject, but due to the bank angle (over 90°) and altitude (below 200 feet) a safe ejection was impossible. He was killed upon ground contact. Aircraft had 340 flying hours. (The International F-104 Society owns a copy of the official accident report). |
| 5 July 1965 |
CF-104 |
12817 |
3W/434sq |
RCAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| This Zweibrucken based aircraft crashed during a deployment at Decimomannu, Sardinia. The pilot, FlLt. Dave C.K. Thom experienced an engine failure while downwind in the air-to-ground bombing pattern at the Capo Frasca range. Unable to restart the engine, he ejected, and both he and his CF-104 entered the water. He was soon rescued by the Italian Air Force. The aircraft sunk near the west-coast of Capo Frasca and it was raised up from the bottom of the sea by a specially build metal sled with control surfaces, after several days. The engine was analyzed and the cause was found being the fuel pump drive of the Main Fuel Control Unit (MFCU). Below a picture of this CF-104 when it flew testflights with Canadair, before delivery (Canadair) |
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| 5 July 1965 |
F-104G |
FX79 |
10W/23sml |
BAF |
incident |
pilot ok |
| This Belgian Starfighter was CAT 2 damaged due to a bird-strike. Pilot Olt Paul van Poppel was able to land safely and the aircraft damage was soon repaired. |
| 6 July 1965 |
F-104G |
2003/DA+102 |
JBG31 |
GAF |
incident |
pilot ok |
| The aircraft taxied in a too wide turn after the landing at Decimomannu and then slipped into a gutter that shouldn't have been there. This resulted in substantial damage. The pilot FW Otto Klemp was okay and the aircraft was repaired. Below a picture which was taken at Decimomannu after the incident. (Luftwaffe). |
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| 6 July 1965 |
F-104G |
2032/63-13248 |
CCTW |
GAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
| This Luke based Starfighter crashed near Gila Bend, Arizona after it became uncontrollable after pull-up during shooting exercises. The pilot Olt Hans Henning Burkhardt was sadly killed. Cause was a flight control system failure. The aircraft logged 299 flying hours. (The International F-104 Society owns a copy of the official accident report) |
| 12 July 1965 |
RF-104G |
D-8135 |
306sq |
KLu |
written off |
pilot ok |
| 12 July 1965 |
RF-104G |
D-8147 |
306sq |
KLu |
written off |
pilot killed |
| Two Starfighters crashed after a mid-air collision near Hoogwoud The Netherlands. Pilot, Lt. Peter Otto de Raadt (26) inside D-8147, was sadly killed while the other pilot, ELt. Jan P.de Jong (28) inside D-8135, could eject just in time to safety. The planes where in a 3-ship formation coming from Vlieland and heading Volkel Air Base. The two collided aircraft came down burning. Both aircraft belonged to Twenthe AB but were temporary based at Volkel. Picture below show both aircraft in operation (thanks to Kees Backx and Henk Schakelaar) and two pictures of the crash site thanks to J. Evers (Anefo). |
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| 14 July 1965 |
F-104G |
D-8324 |
322sq |
KLu |
incident |
pilot ok |
| While flying an interception mission over the North Sea at 37000 feet and with a speed of Mach 1.8 the canopy glass of this F-104G broke. The temperature was rapidly decreasing to -50 degrees Celsius. Pilot Sgt Ton Helders lost his consciousness. Then the engine flamed out and the aircraft was heading a dreadful end. Also radio contact with the ground became defect. Suddenly the pilot became awake again, analyzed the situation and made re-starts while diving through the clouds. The 3rd restart succeeded and the pilot got the Starfighter under control again. A colleague pilot (Sgt-Maj Aad Schouten) together with the support of Leeuwarden control tower made it possible for Sgt Helders to land the damaged aircraft safely. It was repaired soon again and the pilot was okay. After another Starfighter encountered this problem two weeks later an investigation was started. This revealed that a wrong glue had been used to fix the glass into the frames. Soon all F-104's were treated with new canopies. |
| 14 July 1965 |
F-104G |
FX44 |
10W |
BAF |
incident |
pilot ok |
| This Kleine Brogel based Starfighter encountered a bird strike during a mission. The Pilot 1Lt Guy Ghys could land the aircraft safely. The aircraft was soon operational again. |
| 14 July 1965 |
F-104G |
MM6535/6-10 |
6St/154gr |
AMI |
incident |
pilot ok |
| On this day there was an accident with this Starfighter at Ghedi at 2:10 PM. During landing, due to a failure of the left wheel brake, the aircraft veered off the runway, sustaining serious damage to the main and front landing gears, and to the ventral fuselage structure in the areas aft of these landing gears. Gladly the pilot, Captain Antonio Flammini, could step out safely. The aircraft sustained substantial (CAT 3) damage but could be repaired. It flew again in the end of July 1966. Below pictures of the aircraft in the grass at Ghedi. |
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| 15 July 1965 |
F-104G |
63-12704 |
114Pt/335Mira |
HAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
| This Starfighter crashed on runway 28 of Tanagra AFB at 17:15h local time, due asymmetric flap deployment during a missed approach. The pilot Lt. Colonel Christos Efstathiou, commander of 335 Mira (squadron), was sadly killed. At the end of his flight the pilot flew very low, about 30 feet above the runway, with the flaps in “Land” position performing a ''missed approach'', he tried to retract the flaps into “TO” (Takeoff) position, but the right flap remained stuck in Land position during the left flap continued to retract, as a result instantaneously rolled and tragically crashed on the runway. Below a picture of the aircraft when it was manufactured in Canada (thanks to Bob McIntyre). |
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| 18 July 1965 |
F-104A |
56-856 |
331FiS |
USAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
It crashed near Holloman AFB after a target tow mission. The aircraft was based at Webb but Major Wallace E. Lowman was on temporary duty at Biggs AFB, Texas, for the purpose of participating in air-to-air gunnery training on Yonder Range, on the North West corner of White Sands Missile Range. He was flying the tow aircraft within a flight of four. After a normal pre-flight, start and taxi he departed Biggs AFB and proceeded to Yonder Range. There the fire exercises performed well. Prior to completing the last firing loop the Major Lowman reported 1600 lbs of fuel remaining. The other Starfighter pilots were notified that it would be the last pass and observed the target drop after completing the pass. Then the flight back to Biggs was started. Major Lowman then increased power to full military and changed UHF radio to Channel 8 to advise Holloman Tower that the firing was complete and the aircraft were departing the Range. Holloman Tower acknowledged, and Major Lowman switched to Channel 2, Biggs Tower. Within seconds after making the channel change, and a slight power reduction of 1 to 3% in anticipation of leveling off, he felt a substantial and rapid loss of thrust. This was followed almost instantaneously by a short but severe compressor stall. At this time, the RPM was decaying through 60% and the EGT was in vicinity of 400 degrees Celsius. He left the throttle at its near full military position and actuated both air start switches. He attempted to make a radio call 2 to 3 seconds after the power loss, but the generators went off the line and the radio failed. When he realized the engine was not going to start, he retarded the throttle to the stopcock position and re-attempted an air start. He observed no indications of an engine start from his attempt. The external stores, tip tanks and A/A-37B target tow reel, were jettisoned and several additional air starts were attempted with no success. During this period of time the RPM was noted to be at 18% and oil pressure 20PST. As the F-104 approached 10.000 feet, he decided to eject. He ejected at approximately 9000 feet MSL and landed a quarter of a mile from the aircraft impact point and was not injured. The aircraft impacted 33 Naut. miles West-SouthWest of Holloman AFB, New Mexico at 09:58 MST. There was no information available about the cause of the engine failure.
(The International F-104 Society owns a copy of the official accident report). |
| 20 July 1965 |
F-104G |
62-12226/4326 |
3TFW |
RoCAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| 20 July 1965 |
F-104G |
62-12228/4328 |
3TFW |
RoCAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
| Both Starfighters crashed after a midair collision during a night mission and came down in Zhong Xing Xin Cun (village), Nan Tou City, Nan Tou County. Pilot Lei Ding-Guo, flying aircraft 4326 ejected safely but sadly the pilot of aircraft 4328, Li Jia-Jer (27), was killed. |
| 22 July 1965 |
F-104C |
56-908 |
436TFS |
USAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
| This Starfighter was based at Da Nang in South East Asia and was hit by ground fire during a bomb/strafe mission with 2 M117, 750# bombs, and 750 rds of 20mm. The left leading edge flap departed on the pullout from a dive bomb pass. There was a large gash in the left fuselage above the left wing, and the pilot experienced an oil-failure and landing-gear extension failure. It tried to make an emergency landing at Chu Lai Marine Air Base. He could not get the aircraft centered on the runway and during this "gear-up" landing the pilot, Cpt. Roy Blakeley, was tragically killed instantly upon landing on his pylon racks. As the aircraft was skidding, it veered to the left slightly, went off the left side of the runway into a sand dune and exploded catastrophically. One of the fellow pilot on that same mission stated : Coming off the strafe pass Roy reported he had lost the left, leading edge flap. I had a tally-ho on Roy so I went into afterburner and joined on him quite quickly. I confirmed the loss of the flap, and some skin torn off the fuselage on the upper, left side. The tail was intact with no damage. After my confirmation of damage to Roy, then he reported a loss of oil pressure. We were in a turn to Chu Lai, about 20 miles east. It was a newly constructed, austere runway of pierced-steel-planking (PSP), built by the Marines. I went to Guard frequency and declared an emergency and that we were inbound for an emergency landing. Roy flew a good pattern for a straight-in landing to the north. I stayed in close formation with him from the time I joined up until about 50 feet above the runway when I slid about 100 feet out, on Roy’s right wing. The AAA damage to Blakeley’s aircraft, after he had expended 750 rounds of 20 mm cannon fire in his strafing pass, had knocked out the jet’s hydraulics, preventing landing gear extension. Below a picture (right) taken at George AFB when it flew there in 1962, Left a picture of the wreckage at Chu Lai via the Blakely Family. |
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| 29 July 1965 |
F-104G |
D-8304 |
322sq |
KLu |
incident |
pilot ok |
| During shooting exercises over the North Sea at 18000 feet and with a speed of 700 km/h the canopy glass of this Starfighter broke. The pilot, 1st Lt Leen van Gameren managed to get the F-104 safely back to home base Leeuwarden. Since it was raining very badly the pilot was soaked and aircraft gained lots of water. It was repaired soon again. Because two weeks earlier another 104 encountered this same problem an investigation was started. This revealed that a wrong glue had been used to fix the glass into the frames. Soon all Starfighters were treated with new canopies. Below a short article in a newspaper after the incident. |
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| 2 August 1965 |
F-104G |
FX42 |
10W |
BAF |
incident |
pilot ok |
| This day pilot O/Lt Wilfried de Brouwer flew a trainee mission together with Adj. Johnny Abts as chase pilot. When flying at 1000 feet with 450kts in the Netherlands near the "Lauwersmeer", and concentrating on the radar scope, pilot de Brouwer suddenly noticed something on his right hand side and then realized he had collided with another aircraft. The aircraft was a Saab Safir (PH-RLA) from the Dutch Flying School (RLS) based at Eelde Airport. Gladly both aircraft could land safely. The Starfighter had hit the SAAB with his canopy windshield on its tail. Both aircraft could be repaired soon. |
| 3 August 1965 |
RF-104G |
8198/BB+247 |
WS10 |
GAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
| This Jever based Starfighter crashed at Teutoburger Wald near Bielefeld, Germany, when it struck the ground during a low-level navigation mission. The pilot Hptm Dieter Bazlen (JBG34 and on an F-104 training course at Jever), was sadly killed. |
| 4 August 1965 |
F-104G |
7104/DA+253 |
JBG31 |
GAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| This aircraft aborted the take-off from home base Nörvenich and went into the Net Barrier at high speed and then vapouring fuel ignited and burned. The pilot Fw Reinhard Müller could escape unhurt. The aircraft was structurally damaged beyond repair and became an instructional air-frame. Below a picture showing the barrier scene just after the incident had happened (via Frank Mattes) |
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| 9 August 1965 |
CF-104 |
12727 |
6STR-OCU |
RCAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| This aircraft crashed after an in-flight engine-fire caused by a center bearing failure in the engine. The pilot FO. Don S. Scott, who was at Cold Lake going through the training course, ejected safely. |
| 13 August 1965 |
CF-104 |
12738 |
422sq |
RCAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| This Sollingen-based aircraft was being flown back home by FlLt. E. Al Seitz after a deployment at Decimomannu, Sardinia, when he had an engine failure in combination with a total hydraulic failure during his climb-out approximately 15 minutes after takeoff.. With the aircraft in a slight left bank and slightly nose-down altitude, and with the Mach approaching .92, he ejected over Stintino (Gulf of Asinara, North coast of Sardinia), Italy, and landed in the sea. Unfortunately, his life raft blew away in heavy winds and he landed in very rough seas. He was rescued by Italian fishermen after 30 minutes in the water. They were heading back to port to escape the winds. They had to give him artificial respiration on the boat and he spent several days in hospital in Cagliari. Soon after he went on to Baden. The aircraft unfortunately missed the sea and came down on a small island (Asinara) which was an Italian prison just off the coast. It hit solid rock and just disintegrated, the largest piece left being about a foot square. Below a picture of the aircraft (3W) around the time it was lost. (RCAF). |
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| 17 August 1965 |
F-104F |
5051/BB+364 |
WS10 |
GAF |
written off |
pilots ok |
| This trainer aircraft was damaged during the landing at night because of a too high sink rate which damaged the right main-wheel leg severely. After an new attempt to land which failed, the plane was declared a "loss" and the pilots brought the aircraft to a crash location and both ejected at 10.000 ft. The aircraft crashed at Wangerland, 5 km North of Wiarden/Ostfriesland near Hohenkirchen, Germany. Both pilots KptLt Eberhard Eichler and Hptm Dietmar Engel ejected safely but were both injured. Below a picture taken of the aircraft at the Norvenich flightline in 1961. |
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| 17 August 1965 |
F-104G |
MM6594/5-08 |
5St/102gr |
AMI |
written off |
pilot ok |
| This Starfighter crashed into the sea near Senigallia and Ascona (AN), southeast of Rimini-Miramare, Italy, due to a technical cause. The pilot, Ten. Tommaso Budellazzi ejected safely but was injured. It was stated that he aircraft entered a fatal flight attitude and subsequent loss of control during bad weather. It had flown 196 hours in total. |
| 23 August 1965 |
RF-104G |
8171/EA+126 |
AG51 |
GAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
| This Starfighter crashed at home base Ingolstadt Manching when the pilot encountered loss of control during its take-off from this base at 15:40h. The pilot Olt Lothar Kroll (26) was sadly killed. OLt Koll planned a mission together with a comrade. Both aircraft lifted off properly before reaching the center of the runway, the lead aircraft taking off first. However, Lieutenant Kroll, who was in the second aircraft, struck the concrete runway with the nose wheel shortly after takeoff. His Starfighter then hurtled along the ground for about 300 meters with a thunderous roar at approximately 400 km/h before shooting upwards at a steep angle and falling back to earth in flames. The destruction occurred in a matter of seconds: the burning fuselage was hurled through the crash barrier, thousands of liters of fuel ignited, and the wreckage was engulfed in flames. For the pilot, any help came too late. Below two newspaper articles, thanks to AG51 archive. |
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| 1 September 1965 |
CF-104D |
12659 |
1W/439sq |
RCAF |
written off |
pilots ok |
| This two-seater Starfighter crashed after an engine-failure due to a bird-strike near Boen in France while on a low level flight West of Marville. The pilots of this Marville-based aircraft both ejected safely being FlLt. Ed Greidanaus and Captain C.F.Summers (US Army Photo Intelligence Officer). It crashed after the aircraft encountered control problems due to bird strike on the left AOA probe that controls the stick shaker and the aircraft became somewhat uncontrollable but not out of control. Due to a misunderstanding the passenger Captain Summers ejected. At this point the control of the aircraft was lost and pilot Ed Greidanaus ejected as well. |
| 6 September 1965 |
F-104G |
62-12335 |
144Filo |
TurkAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| This Starfighter was lost this day due to unknown circumstances. The pilot was safe. Below a picture of this F-104 at the Canadair Manufacturer before delivery to Turkey (thanks to Bob McIntyre) |
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| 7 September 1965 |
F-104A |
56-877 |
9sq |
PakAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| This day F/L Amjad Hussain shot down a Indian Air Force Mystere aircraft over Sargodha AB, Pakistan. However when this Mystere exploded the Starfighter flew through the debris which resulted in aircraft loosing engine and hydraulics. While the pilot tried to recover and thought about ejecting it was shot by another Mystere fighter flown by S/L AB Devayya. F/L Hussain already was trying to eject so the aircraft was already a loss and not shot down. He ejected safely from his burning and diving Starfighter. |
| 9 September 1965 |
F-104G |
FX92 |
10W/23Sml |
BAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
| This Starfighter crashed at Kaulille, near homebase Kleine Brogel. The pilot, Major Hadelin d’Hoop, was sadly killed. It happened during a flight demonstration for ex-military people (veterans) when the aircraft encountered a technical failure and entered a uncontrollable spin during a looping maneuver. The pilot ejected but was sadly killed, likely due to the low altitude. He was Commander of 23 squadron. Below two pictures of this aircraft, taken during the Tactical Weapons Meet at Chaumont in June 1965, a few months before its fatal loss. (thanks to Helmut Baumann and J. Wilhelem) |
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| 16 September 1965 |
CF-104 |
12853 |
3W/430sq |
RCAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| This Zweibrucken based aircraft crashed after an engine-failure due to compressor disintegration at high speed caused by a bird strike, while on approach to Zweibrucken. The pilot, FlLt. Ken.D.Castle could eject safely. |
| 17 September 1965 |
F-104A |
56-868 |
9sq |
PakAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| This Starfighter was lost during a combat mission during the Indian-Pakistan war. It crashed at Peshawar while pilot FlOff G.O.Abbasi was injured. It was lost during a night operation after an attempted interception from Peshawar. The pilot found the base blanketed by a severe dust storm on its return. Groping his way down in the pitch darkness with the Starfighter's characteristically long flat approach using lots of power, Abassi undershot the runway and flew full tilt into the ground at a speed of well over 200 mph, his aircraft exploding in a ball of fire. Miraculously, he was thrown clear as his aircraft disintegrated, still strapped to his ejection seat, and was only slightly hurt. The landing conditions were severe. The TACANs were not aligned with the runways, there were no approach lights, ILS or VASI. Below a picture showing the aircraft flying over the mountains. |
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| 20 September 1965 |
F-104C |
56-883 |
436TFS |
USAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| This aircraft was shot down over Hainan-island, China by gunfire from a Chinese NAVY MIG19 flown by Navy pilot Gao Xiang. The pilot Captain Phil E. Smith (436TFS) became prisoner of war in China and was held until 1973. It was flying a so-called armed escort mission. Phil Smith stated: I was on a combat mission when my directional avionics and magnetic compass became inoperative. I knew I had to avoid Chinese airspace, so I ducked below some cloud cover to try and get a visual of my location. Just as I cleared the clouds, a Chinese MIG fired on me. Though my F-104 was damaged, with a missing wingtip and Sidewinder missile, I turned to fight. As the MIG lit his afterburners and disappeared into the clouds, my plane lost hydraulic power, and I knew I had to eject or crash into the sea. Amazingly, as I was going down, everything I learned in training came back to me, even though when you are in training, you think something like this will never happen to you. I recalled we were told to look up when our parachute opens to be sure it is fully deployed. I did, and it was. We were told not to just enjoy the ride down, but to look around for an escape route. I was over the water, so I knew my escape route would be to get to shore. Our survival seat had a small dingy that falls out on a 20-foot line when you eject that is fully inflated and lands just before you do. As I got closer to the water, looking for the dingy, I saw that I was going to land right in the middle of a Chinese fishing fleet of about 100 boats, so I realized I was going to be captured. An elderly Chinese man with no teeth was the first one to reach me. He paddled toward me, and as he neared he seemed very concerned — he had a surprised look on his face, not hostile or belligerent — and tried to pull me onto his boat. I got on the boat, as I knew if I didn’t, others would force me to. The fishing fleet, though made up of civilians, seemed to have some sort of a hierarchy system, and they all converged on that old man’s boat. As each larger boat arrived, they would motion for me to get on the bigger boat. By then we were closer to shore, and the biggest boat occupants began aiming rifles at me, wanting me on their boat. I realized they were all competing over me — the guns were not pointed at me, but at fishermen behind me. The boat with the guns prevailed. Those fishermen took me and handed me over to the Chinese Red Army. I learned later that I had been fished out of the sea near Hainan Island. The rest of his story can be read in his book. Pictures below show the aircraft at Da Nang and also when it was hit by the Mig19 (Chinese Air Force). |
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| 20 September 1965 |
F-104C |
56-911 |
436TFS |
USAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| 20 September 1965 |
F-104C |
57-921 |
436TFS |
USAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
On the evening these two F104C Starfighters had a midair collision while on approach to Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, after a research & rescue operation for Phil Smith's F104C (56-883). Aircraft 56-911 was piloted by Harvey Eugene Quackenbush (436TFS) and aircraft 57-921 was piloted by 436TFS-pilot Dale Carlson. They collided by night. The lights were not operational (They didn't really need to be since their missions were day only). They were inbound for landing when one lost track of the other. The other was requested to light his afterburner so that he could find the other. When this was done it was found that the other was in very close in front and slightly above. The afterburner lightning was done too late to avoid the collision. Both ejected safely. Regarding the search and rescue operation, .The two aircraft remained in the search area for 45 minutes, refueled from a C-130 tanker, then returned to the SAR area again. The search was terminated at 19:30h. Letdown to land at Da Nang AB was made through overcast and both aircraft flew minimum AB with speed brakes to burn down heavy fuel loads. A right turn was made at approximately 10,000 feet aligning with Runway 1 at Da Nang. Approximately 5 miles out for a VFR night landing these aircraft collided mid-air and both became uncontrollable. Both pilots ejected safely and landed in Da Nang Bay and were rescued by naval patrol boat. Both aircraft crashed into the bay and were not recovered.
(The International F-104 Society owns a copy of the official accident report) |
| 21 September 1965 |
F-104A |
56-821 |
319FiS |
USAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
| This day Captain Thomas Smagula was scheduled to chase Captain James Nelson on a pressure suit familiarization ride. Capt Nelson was Flying the lead position. Captain Smagula took off at 10:03 local approximately 6 to 10 seconds after Captain Nelson. The take off appeared normal until he was near taxiway 3, 3000 feet of the runway, at about 200 feet altitude. At this point some eye-witnesses in a C-119 parked on the taxiway 3, saw his cockpit blow open and asserted debris leave the cockpit and flutter to earth. As the aircraft crossed the departure end of the runway the canopy was still in the full open position and the aircraft was apparently in reduced power. Maximum altitude throughout the flight was approximately 300-400 feet. As the aircraft passed the end of the runway, it started a gentle starboard turn and gradual descend. It struck the mangrove swamp on a magnetic heading of 095 degrees about 2 miles off the end of the runway in a wings level very nose high altitude. The aircraft exploded and started to disintegrate shortly after impact. Captain Smagula made no radio transmission after the take-off roll was started and analysis of the wreckage indicated conclusively that ejection had not been attempted. He was sadly killed instantly. The cause was very likely that the pilot had forgotten to lock his canopy. Statements of eye-witnesses and the fact that the flaps were retracted indicates maximum speed during the flight in the neighborhood of 260 kts. Below two pictures taken at the crash site + a newspaper article (all thanks to Chris Baird) and a picture of the aircraft when it flew with 331FiS the year before in 1964 when later on it was transferred to 319FiS after overhaul and applying light grey protecting color paint (USAF). (The International F-104 Society owns a copy of the official accident report). |
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| 22 September 1965 |
RF-104G |
8197/BB+246 |
WS10 |
GAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| This Starfighter crashed near Stollham, Germany, after it encountered an engine failure. The pilot Olt Uwe Focke ejected safely. |
| 22 September 1965 |
F-104G |
8228/JD+248 |
JG74 |
GAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
| This F-104G crashed after encountering "open nozzle" problem after shooting exercises and on its way to land at Jever. It crashed near Jadebusen. Pilot OFw Günter Walzak ejected but was killed. His body was found and secured near Jadebussen, South of the “Jappensandes” by a fishing boat from Wilhelmshafen. Below a picture of this Starfighter landing on a winter day (Thanks to Klaus Kropf). |
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| 28 September 1965 |
F-104G |
62-12236 |
144Filo |
TurkAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| This Starfighter crashed at or near Murted Air Base. Sadly there are no more details known but the pilot survived. |
| 29 September 1965 |
F-104G |
7018/DA+114 |
JBG31 |
GAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
| This Nörvenich based F-104G crashed near Jagel and Schortens, Germany, after encountering an engine-failure. Pilot Hptm Wolfgang Willam was sadly killed. Below a picture of the aircraft when it visited Leeuwarden Air Base, 3 months earlier, on 22 June 1965 (taken by Harm Wondaal). |
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| 14 October 1965 |
F-104G |
FX06 |
1W |
BAF |
incident |
pilot ok |
| This day the aircraft flew a dart mission and landed again with the dart installed. During braking after landing the target cable ruptured and the target dart damaged the fuselage. Pilot Maj Joseph Defays was safe and the aircraft was repaired soon. |
| 18 October 1965 |
F-104C |
56-938 |
435TFS |
USAF |
incident |
pilot ok |
On this day pilot Captain Morgan Lilly was Nr.2 in a four ship taking off at 1440 LT for a combat mission. On return the weather was marginal with a visibility of 1½-2 miles in rain and drizzle. The approach was discontinued due to a position unsafe for landing. Nr.1 stayed unplanned below the clouds and landed. Nr.2, with Captain Lilly, was unable to follow and returned to GCA. The approach and landing were ok, but 3,800 feet down the Rwy the aircraft departed the concrete on the left side, causing the right main gear to collapse. This caused the aircraft to return onto the Rwy and stopped after 5,000 feet. Captain Lilly shut down the engine and left the aircraft unhurt and the aircraft could be repaired.
(The International F-104 Society owns a copy of the official accident report) |
| 18 October 1965 |
F-104G |
62-12229/4329 |
3TFW |
RoCAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
| This day during a night mission, the engine of this Starfighter malfunctioned at low altitude and the aircraft crashed into sea, NE of Ma Gong. The pilot Major (posthumous Lieutenant Colonel) LIU Xian Wu (LIU Hsien Wu) (35) was sadly killed. |
| 19 October 1965 |
F-104J |
26-8501 |
2W/201sq |
JASDF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| This Starfighter crashed into sea, 180 km South of Erimo-Pt-Cape, Hokkaidou, Japan, after a mid-air-collision with an ET-33A (5th AF) of the USAF. It happened at 6.55 PM. The pilot, First Lieutenant Tachibana Fumio, ejected in time and was rescued by S-62 helicopters from SAR flight Chitose Air Base, after drifting for 12 hours in the sea. The ET-33A landed safe at Misawa AB at 7:30 PM. It had suffered a damaged fuel tank below its right wing during the collision. Below a picture of this aircraft. |
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| 5 November 1965 |
F-104G |
7128/DD+120 |
JBG34 |
GAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
| This Starfighter crashed this day which was caused by spatial desorientation of the pilot. It crashed near Sontheim, Germany. Pilot Hptm Dieter Thormeyer was sadly killed. Below a picture showing this aircraft at Memmingen in 1965, thanks to Peter Mühlböck. |
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| 8 November 1965 |
F-104C |
56-887 |
476TFS |
USAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
This Starfighter crashed following power loss during gunnery practice at the Cuddeback Gunnery Range, California, sadly killing the pilot Captain Harry W. Martinez. He was flying Lead in a flight of four on a bomb, rocket, strafe mission departing George AFB to Cuddeback Air-to-Ground Gunnery Range. Scheduled events were nuclear, glide bomb, dive bomb, rockets and strafe. The aircraft was configured with two 170 gallon tip tanks, two wing pylon racks, one MA-2 rocket launcher, one SUU 21 bomb dispenser, and one refueling probe. Captain Martinez called in on his third rocket pass, dry, having fired his two rockets on the first two passes. Immediately after he pulled off target he called, “Power loss, pulling off straight ahead.” His wing man noted that Captain Martinez was North of the range nose high, at a slow airspeed, and wings rocking apparently from slow speed instability. Captain Martinez radioed, “Only able to get 80% in Military, airspeed 230 knots, going to make an air start.” Shortly after a ball of fire and smoke was observed 8 to 10 miles NNE of Cuddeback Range. The remaining three aircraft orbited the scene of the crash but apparently saw no sign of a parachute or the pilot. Captain Martinez was killed in the crash. It is unknown if he attempted to eject. The crash site is located 8 to 10 miles NNE of Cuddeback Gunnery range. Estimated 35 28N 117 21W. Below a picture of this aircraft when it was seen at the Bradley Air Force Base open house, 4 October 1964 (thanks to Jaques Guillem).
(The International F-104 Society owns a copy of the official accident report). |
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| 16 November 1965 |
F-104G |
D-8089 |
323sq |
KLu |
incident |
pilot ok |
| This Starfighter was damaged during taxiing Pilot Sgt Major Kees Koster unintentionally drove the aircraft into a building-spot (hole) during a night mission. It was dark and the gap was not securely covered or protected with fences. The aircraft smashed to the ground with its underbelly and nose cone. It was damaged severely and it was brought over to Fokker Avio Diepen via road-transport. The extensive repair took more than a year and was finalized on February, 7th, 1967. Below two pictures taken at the incident scene, one of them thanks to Dick de Ruiter. |
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| 24 November 1965 |
F-104G |
62-12227/4327 |
3TFW |
RoCAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
| This aircraft hit a mountain in Nantou county during a night mission. The pilot Fu Ji-Cheng was tragically killed. |
| 24 November 1965 |
F-104G |
7127/DD+119 |
JBG34 |
GAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| This F-104 crashed near or at Sardinia when it was on deployment at Decimomannu. During the mission the pilot, Olt Wolfgang Schaumburg, encoutered an engine fire and had to eject. He was safe. The aircraft belonged to JBG34 but the pilot was from JBG31 Nörvenich using the aircraft at the range. Pictures of this Starfighter are rare, below a picture of the aircraft when it received maintenance around 1964 or 1965. |
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| December 1965 |
TF-104G |
5919/KF+219 |
Lockheed |
GAF |
incident |
no pilot |
| This brand new Starfighter arrived from Lockheed by CL-44 at Fokker Avio Diepen, Ypenburg Air Base, The Netherlands, for assembly and delivery to Jever, Germany. Sadly the fuselage fell off its blocks on its starboard side and that side was severely damaged and had to be repaired which took almost a year. Below a picture taken at Manching early 1967 after the aircraft had just been repaired. Picture thanks to Peter Mühlböck. |
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| 6 December 1965 |
F-104G |
7105/DA+254 |
JBG31 |
GAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
| This F-104 crashed near Narvik, Norway. The most likely cause was Oxygen-toxic-problems inside the mask. Pilot Major Klaus Heinrich Lehnert was sadly killed. He took off from Nörvenich at 17.09h, Heading North, approximately 40000 ft on autopilot. After 11 minutes all radio contact was lost. At 19:41h it crashes at Emmenes, Ankenes just 4 km South west of Narvik , Norway, after it had run out of fuel. During this emergency situation it was first intercepted above Denmark by two F-100 followed by two F-104G from 331 Sqn Bodø when it flew over Norway. They flew very close to the German Starfighter so their navigation lights on the wing tip shined up into the cockpit to check the pilot. The pilot was noticed being unconscious or dead. They also tried to create some turbulence around the aircraft to waken up the pilot. Nothing worked and the aircraft remained on autopilot until it ran out of fuel. This accident looks very familiar to the fatal accident with the Dutch F-104G D-8045. |
| 8 December 1965 |
QF-104A |
55-2971 |
3205DS |
USAF |
incident |
no pilot |
| This day the QF-104A 55-2971/QFG-971 was hit into its nozzle area by an AIM-4 missile during an unmanned drone target mission. The drone Starfighter could be landed (remotely) but blew its tire during the landing, with no further damage to the QF-104. It was repaired and flew again soon for its next drone mission. Below a picture showing the aircraft in flight with its dayglow orange color scheme. (picture thanks to Chuck Dildine). |
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| 22 December 1965 |
F-104G |
9066/JD+106 |
JG74 |
GAF |
written off |
pilot ok |
| This Starfighter crashed near Ingolstadt Manching after the pilot could not find a place anymore to land his aircraft. All South-German airfields/bases were not reachable because of the very bad weather and lots of snow. The pilot Lt Richard Haiplik decided to eject and was safe. (AVA-date:141166). The aircraft continued its flight and finally crashed 400 m North of the train station “Manching am Paarufer” without any casualties on the ground. |
| 23 December 1965 |
F-104G |
8315/DB+234 |
JBG32 |
GAF |
written off |
pilot killed |
| This day this aircraft was lost when it crashed in the Bavaria region, near Westernheim and Laichingen, Germany. It was caused by spatial desorientation. The pilot Josef Weiher was sadly killed. |
| 1965 |
F-104F |
5048/BB+361 |
WS10 |
GAF |
incident |
pilots ok |
| This Starfighter was damaged during the landing and was repaired and flew again in 1967. The student pilot's landing approach was too steep which resulted in damage to the rear of the fuselage. It must have happened in the summer of 1965 but date is still unconfirmed. At least the aircraft could be repaired and both pilots were safe. Below a picture of F-104F BB+361 taken a few years back, at Fürstenfeldbrück, 24 September 1961. |
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