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Aircraft Wrecks in the
Mountains and Deserts of the American West
Douglas A-4C
3/6/68
As a result of
continued research, we know that this A-4C is Bu No 148520, USN assigned to
VA-34, and that it was involved in a mid-air collision on 3/6/68 with another
A-4C from VA-34. Lt. Cmdr Sam Hawkins ejected safely, and the second A-4C limped
into China Lake NOTS to make a safe landing. Sources include Scramble Special
Edition-US Military Mishaps 1950-2004, various newspaper articles, and special
thanks to Ryan Gilmore.
Thanks to George Petterson
and his Super Cub we were able to locate the A-4C wreck in a remote and
mountainous area in August 2009. Our ground team that included myself, son Pat
J, Tom Maloney, Dave Mihalik, Chris LeFave and his wife Megan reached the crash
site of the mystery A-4C in November 2009. Data plates seen on the wreckage
included; A4D-2, A4D-2N, and A-4C. The faded name of the pilot Lt. Dick Wiggin,
USN was still visible on a section located just below the cockpit rim, as was a
partial Bureau Number that has yet be resolved.
In November 2009 our
team reached the A-4C crash site following a lengthy drive, hike, and
climb. Data plates observed in the wreckage confirmed that the aircraft was
a Douglas A-4C Skyhawk flown by the U. S. Navy, and that the pilot may have
been Dick Wiggin. While there was no evidence that this was a fatal
accident, we hope that on going research will resolve many questions about
this remote wreck.
(G. P. Macha photo)
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Trailing edge of wing
section with part of the flap and aileron visible. (G.P. Macha photo) |
Smashed, unburned A-4C
wreckage as photographed in November of 2009. (G.P. Macha photo)
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A-4C main impact, note
lack of fire damage to wreckage. The flag is displayed while we examine a
military crash.
(G.P. Macha photo)
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Scattered wreckage of
the Douglas A-4C Skyhawk looking SW from main impact. (G.P. Macha) |
Oxygen tank from the
mystery A-4C. (G. P. Macha photo)
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Aerial view of the
Douglas A-4C crash site in rugged Mojave Desert country thanks to George
Petterson.
(G.P. Macha photo) |
Here is the caption:
Aerial view of A-4C Bu No 148520 in the rugged Bristol Mountains. (George
Peterson, pilot. G.P. Macha photo) |
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