F-104A "60841" 538th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (FIS) Squadron (Air Defense Command), Larson AFB, WA 1960

F-104A, construction number 183-1129, model 183-93-02, US serial number 56-0841, built by Lockheed
delivery date July 11, 1958; 538th FIS July 1958-May 1960; 157th FIS May 1960-June 1962
crashed with 157 FIS South Carolina ANG on December 9, 1961 during deployment "Stair Step" at Moron AB, Spain,
after engine failure (compressor stall) 3 NM SE of Malaga, Spain, pilot Capt Billingsley ejected safely,
written off June 2, 1962, likely after the investigation was finished.
cause undetermined: suspect Main Fuel Control

During a morning practice two-ship intercept mission F-104A serial number 56-0841 experienced
several compressor stalls and engine failures near Moron AFB, Spain. The pilot was forced to eject
when the engine would not air-start. The aircraft crashed into the sea and was lost.
The pilot ejected safely into the water with no injury.

photo of the nose art.

copyright © Andrew Hanna