TF-104G "13081" (61-3081) during formation training in September 1971

TF-104G, construction number 583D-5752, company model 583-10-20, US serial number 61-3081, built by Lockheed
manufactured by Group USA (ARGE-USA); assembly at Lockheed-Palmdale for Germany; first flight 1963 coded with US serial number "61-3081"
 delivered in 1963 for German Air Force (GAF); operated at Luke AFB by the 4510 CCTW (German shadow serial number 2750) in USAF Silver-finish colors coded 13081
crashed January 14, 1975 coded "13081" during an ACT (Air Combat Tactics) training mission (ACT-2) after hydraulic failure in the Gila Bend Air to Air-Range (R-2301)
aircraft entered a steep dive, both pilots ejected, but were killed after the ejection at a speed over Mach 1.
418 TFTS; 2.496 flight hours; written off; struck off charge order (AVA) date unknown.

The mission was ACT. The scenario was to kick (negate a missile shot) and then extend at max acceleration.
This meant unloading the airplane to about 1/2 G. They came to the conclusion that Lt Schmitt may have unloaded too much and gavitated one of the hydraulic systems. 
Because he was going so fast, he was unable to pull out of the dive with one hydraulic system only. The engine was in Afterburner when it crashed. They elected to eject at supersonic speed.

copyright © Klaus Kropf