F-104G DA+256 JaboG 31 (FBW 31) at Decimomannu AB, Sardinia 1964

F-104G, construction number 683D-7107, company model 683-10-19, built by Messerschmitt (MTT)
manufactured by South Group (ARGE-Süd); assembly start at Messerschmitt-Manching July 19, 1963; first flight October 3, 1963 coded KE+407
delivery date December 12, 1963 in Fighterbomber version; camouflage scheme "Norm 62" according tech order "TA-196"
acceptance date by BABwMTT on December 12, 1963; LVR 3 (LwVersRgt 3) at Manching AB on December 20, 1963 for modifications and upgrading
DA+256 JaboG 31 at Norvenich AB delivery date on February 4, 1964
heavily damaged November 5, 1964 after landing due to broken main landing gear at Norvenich AB; repaired by Messerschmitt-Manching and back to JaboG 31 on June 21, 1966
crashed February 7, 1967 north of Capo della Frasca Range into the Golf of Oristano, Sardinia, Italy due to disorientation (vertigo) of the pilot, pilot was killed
written off; struck off charge order (AVA) January 8, 1968.

After completion of a bomb delivery at the "Capo della Frasca Gunnery Range", the pilot initiated a right climbing turn to depart the range.
After calling that he was changing radio frequency, the aircraft disappeared. Weather at that time was 5000 to 6000 feet cloud base (broken layer) with showers.
Based on witness reports an underwater search was started in the bay north of the range.
After several weeks parts of the wreckage were located. It appeared that the pilot made no attempt to eject.

copyright © Helmut Baumann