Warbird Information Exchange

U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat BuNo 157989 was the 10th prototype built and it was delivered to the Naval Air Test Center (NATC) at Patuxent River, Maryland for structural trials and carrier qualification evaluation. It was the first aircraft of its type to land on an Aircraft Carrier.
Less than 48 hours later, the same Tomcat #10 was destroyed June 30, 1972, when it crashed into Chesapeake Bay, 4-1/2 miles southeast of NATC while preparing for an airshow at Patuxent Maryland. This is the story about what happened to the wreck after the accident and where it is now. Also see accompanying story "Leon Picked Them Up."

Story here: http://pacaeropress.websitetoolbox.com/ ... 1290031457

That is one hell of a story. I've got an early F-14A model I intend to build as one of the prototypes; I was going to build no. 3 as it's the one up at Mitchel Field on display at the Cradle of Aviation Museum, but no. 10 would be a very cool option given it's history. I wonder if I could reach out to Leon for a bit of the aircraft to display with the model- do you think he'd be receptive to my query?

Thanks for sharing this with us!

Lynn

Something tells me he would be.

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Keep Em' Flying,
Christopher Soltis
Dedicated to the preservation and education of The Sikorsky Memorial Airport

CASC Blog Page: http://ctair-space.blogspot.com/
Warbird Wear: https://www.redbubble.com/people/warbirdwear/shop

Chicks Dig Warbirds.......right?

Lynn - Just about all that is left is larger chunks that vary from a foot to 6 feet long. What I can do is look over remains and if something can be broken down easily, I'll get back to you with a photo. I'll go through a pm so that an e-mail can be sent with attachment; I've barraged Chris Brame on photo requests enough for time being. It may be a week before I can get back to you...Leon

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Be happy to serve your fellowman

Oh come on, Leon, you know I love doing it!

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All right, Mister Dorfmann, start pullin'!
Pilot: "Flap switch works hard in down position."
Mechanic: "Flap switch checked OK. Pilot needs more P.T." - Flight report, TB-17G 42-102875 (Hobbs AAF)

lmritger - Lynn - Check pm's

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Be happy to serve your fellowman