F-104G "629" 331 squadron RNoAF Bodo AB

F-104G, construction number 683C-4029, model 683-10-19, US serial number 61-2629, built by Lockheed
RF-104G MAP to Norway coded "FN-E" on August 7, 1963
delivered to Norway via the USS Croatan which arrived at Agag harbour on August 6, 1963; it also had a RF-104G camera housing like lots of the early Norwegian Starfighters did
it did not wear cameras and in April 1973 the aircraft RF housing was removed during the first maintenance cycle with Fokker (Avio Diepen) in Ypenburg
with 331 squadron on August 10, 1963; participating in a squadron exchange in May 1966 at Volkel Air Base
coded "629" on September 1, 1972; squadron exchange with a RAF squadron based at Gutersloh Air Base in September 1975
"629" returned to USAF inventory on June 30, 1981 with 3.386 flight hours, flown over just as other Norwegian MAP aircraft to Sculthorpe, UK
where it arrived June 29, 1981; at Sculthorpe the aircraft received Turkish markings and was flown over to Turkey on July 8, 1981
with a night stop at Grosseto, arriving at Murted Air Base July 9, 1981
MAP to Turkish Air Force (THK serial number 61-2629) on June 29, 1981
no official accidents known regarding this F-104G Starfighter although some believe that this aircraft crashed upon delivery to Turkey; withdrawn from use and scrapped.

It likely crashed during the delivery flight. All other ex RNoAF Starfighter were seen after delivery except this one!

copyright © Erik Dahlen