Hike to F-8 Crusader 149212 Crash Site, Anza-Borrego State Park, California

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On November 22nd, 1969 a flight of two Navy F-8Js with the VF-124 out of NAF El Centro and a Marine F-4B with the VMFA-513 out of MCAS El Toro were flying over Anza-Borrego State Park. The F-8J’s mission involved parade formation practice, combat spread, tactical positioning and individual acrobatic maneuvering. The pilot of the F-4B had performed a clean stall and was in the process of performing a dirty stall with gear and flaps down at 150 KIAS when it flew between the F-8Js and mid-aired with one of them contacting the under side of the fuselage just behind the wing. The F-8J came apart from the violent impact and scattered wreckage over a large area. The F-4B’s nose cone and front cockpit were severely damaged incapacitating the pilot. The F-4B descended in a flat spin and exploded on impact killing the pilot. The F-4B’s RIO and F-8J’s pilot were able to eject and escaped with minor injuries. This site is an easy hike from the start of the trail up Ghost Mountain to Yaquitepec, so I'd recommend doing both if you have the chance.

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