F-104C "FG-899" 476th TFS "Blue Knights" refuelling over Spain in late 1959

F-104C, construction number 183-1187, model 483-04-05, US serial number 56-0899, built by Lockheed
available with Lockheed on October 1, 1958; delivered to the USAF on December 3, 1958 and arrived at George with 479th TFW
seen in fall 1959 and spring 1960 with 476th TFS at Moron AB, Spain during the first deployment and wearing the beautiful flash markings
damaged on August 11, 1961 during a landing accident at George AFB after nozzle failure (open nozzle) over Cuddleback Range
after suffering an open nozzle problem over the Cuddleback range it made a rough landing at George resulting in a folded main gear;
moving on over the runway for 4000 ft on its nose wheel and flaps.
Then it went to the right and ran of the runway.
The aircraft could be soon repaired. Pilot Korchick was ok.
It participated at the open house at Andrews in May 1962, operated by 436TFS
it went to Europe that same year (1962) and was seen at RAF Finningley
during the deployment at Moron AB, Spain on June 2, 1963
it made a rough landing causing some major damage (gear failure)
The pilot Alvord was ok. It went to the US for repair
Lockheed declared that the aircraft was damaged beyond repair
and officially it was declared a write-off by the USAF on August 15, 1963
At McClellan it was put off the list on June 30, 1964 and this means it was scrapped
parts must have been used as spare-parts for the USAF.

copyright © Norm Filer