YF-104A "FG-964" (55-2964) Palmdale line April 1957

YF-104A, construction number 183-1010, model 183-93-02, US serial number 55-2964, built by Lockheed
ready for delivery July 14, 1956, acceptance by USAF August 24, 1956, retained by manufacturer anf modified to JF-104A
with AFFTC to Wright Air Development Center (Air Research and Development Command) Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
crashed November 2, 1959 at Wright Patterson AFB.

Approx 90 seconds after T/O, coming out of AB, pilot Maj James Bradbury heard and felt a moderate explosion.
Pilot declared emergency with apparent engine flame-out. Pilot determined immediately that he could not make it back to
either Wright or Patterson Field and ejection would be over populated areas. He notified tower he would point the a/c towards
an open field SE and eject. Over relatively open country and losing altitude (keeping in mind the downward ejection seat),
the pilot ejected. Chute opened at 500 ft and pilot was safe. Pilot observed the a/c make a slight turn left where it struck
the ground at a shallow angle and hit an automobile on a road then a house.

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