TF-104G "13627" (66-13627) 58 TFTW Luke AFB 1971

TF-104G, construction number 583F-5938, company model 583-10-20, US serial number 66-13627, assembly by Lockheed
manufactured by Lockheed, Messerschmitt (ARGE-Süd) and VFW; main parts manufactured by ARGE-Süd (fuselage) and VFW (wings)
airlifted to Lockheed- Burbank on December 9, 1966; assembly and test flights at Palmdale coded with US serial number "13627" (planned code KF+238 was not used)
 operated in USAF Silver-finish colors by the 4510th CCTW at Luke AFB (German shadow serial number 2808) coded 13627
struck off charge order (AVA) August 3, 1974; sold to Norway on August 29, 1974
arrival in Norway June 1, 1975 coded as "627"; crashed coded "627" at Bodo AB on February 4, 1981 during landing due to sudden RPM drop,
reason for that was FOD due to pieces of plexiglas from the canopy which was released and smashed against the plane,
pieces of plexiglas were ingested into the engine; both pilots ejected safely; written off; 2.111 flight hours.

The plane was on a routine training mission and was undertaking a radar controlled landing at runway 08 in Bodø AB.
Suddenly the engines RPM dropped and the crew decided to eject. Lt. Per Christian Torp (front seat) landed safely
while Lt. Inge Støen suffered minor injury. Both landed on the base area. So did the plane which exploded on impact near shelter 16.
The accident was caused by the canopy, which was released and smashed against the left side of the plane. Pieces of plexiglas were ingested into the engine.

copyright © Klaus Kropf