Aircraft Wrecks in the Mountains and Deserts of the American West

F3D-2
March/9/53
 

Data plate from a Douglas F3D-2 “Skyknight” that crashed in a remote area of the Santa Ana Mountains sometime in 1952-53. Research is being done now to establish the bureau number for this aircraft.
(Photo by Tom Maloney)

On March 9, 1953 Douglas F3D-2 Skyknight Bu No 125813 crashed in the rugged Santa Ana Mountains of Orange County, California. The accident occurred during a routine night training flight at 9:44 p.m.

Factors included in this tragic loss of two marine aviators were darkness, stratus clouds, and a weak radio, possibly affected by the mountainous terrain.

Killed in the accident were the pilot, Captain Cameron A. Mallory, USMCR and radar operator, Sergeant Frank R. Woodard, USMC.