F-104C "FG-931" 435 TFS of 479 TFW from George AFB at Peterson Field, Colorado Springs in June 1959

F-104C, construction number 183-1219, model 483-04-05, US serial number 56-0931, built by Lockheed
delivery date March 24, 1959, 479th Tactical Fighter Wing (Tactical Air Command), George AFB, CA (March 1959-February 1965)
February 24, 1965 56-0931 crashed west of Cuddeback Dry Lake, California following engine stall. Aircraft was destroyed, pilot (435 TFS, 479 TFW) safely ejected.

T/O was normal in 2-ship formation elements low-level to Cuddeback. Skip bomb and rocket runs were accomplished with no difficulties. Capt Connors completed the first dive bomb run and was 
climbing back to traffic pattern altitude when aircraft difficulties started. In a left climbing turn at 4,500-5,000' AGL at 310 knots, full military throttle, in a 1.5-to-2G turn, Capt Connors heard 
an explosion and rumbling. RPM began decreasing through 90%, EGT was 560 degrees, nozzle 9.5, with no fire indication. 
The engine had stalled. Capt Connors attempted two stall clearings with no success. At 3,000' AGL he prepared to abandon the aircraft. 
He lowered his visor, tightened the chin strap, jettisoned the canopy, and pulled the ejection ring. The canopy and e-seat operated normally. Capt Connors then felt the pilot/seat separator operate, 
and attempted to deploy his parachute. The automatic parachute opening system did not open the chute.
Several attempts were made to grasp the old type "D" ring which he was used to using. He then reached for the "T" handle and the parachute deployed. Capt Connors contacted the ground in a 
rearward drift, but encountered no difficulties during landing.
Capt Clardy in #2 spotted the crash of Capt Connors aircraft west of Cuddeback Dry Lake. Clardy then observed the deployed parachute of Capt Connors descending. 
Crash crews at Cuddeback immediately deployed to the crash site. The remainder of the flight capped the crash until the pilot was picked up by ambulance.
Capt Connors was taken to the range complex and later returned to George AFB by helicopter. 

copyright © Chris Baird