See Meteor Crater Cessna 150 Crash Site, Arizona

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On August 8, 1964, two commercial pilots in a Cessna 150 flew low over Meteor Crater in Arizona. After crossing the rim, they could not maintain level flight. The pilot attempted to circle in the crater to climb over the rim. During the attempted climb out, the aircraft stalled, crashed, and caught fire. The plane is commonly reported to have run out of fuel, but this is incorrect. Both occupants were severely injured, but survived. Pilot 51 year old CPT John Kidd (19,000 hours, 50 on type), Passenger Gary Chapin, both American Airlines pilots. Chapin had broken his back, but he was able to drag the unconscious Kidd from the aircraft, which was consumed by a post crash fire. Most of the wreckage was removed, by helicopter. A small portion of the wreckage not removed from the crash site remains visible. Next time you visit Meteor Crater if the Sun is right you may just see a glint of light on the western floor near the foot of the talus.

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