On 6/26/72 two McDonnell Douglas F-4Js, #158379 and #158364 USN from the Strike Fighter Squadron 154 (VF-154), also known as the "Black Knights” collided over the Coso Range while on training flight. The Phantom #158379 after having it’s tail section sliced off crashed inverted and burned while #158364 with it’s left wing torn off continued flying further before impacting at a steep angle. One of the four crew members was killed in this accident.

Note: The F-4J was the final version of the Phantom to be placed in production for the US Navy and US Marine Corps. #158379 was the last of the F-4Js manufactured.

Tom, Doug and Mike waiting for me by the side of the highway. The Coso Range is in the background.

This trip is my forth time visiting these crash sites. This time Tom Gossett is going to lead us to another F-4 site he found about ten years ago. I'm hoping it's the missing F-4 that I been wondering about.

Joe(me), Doug, Mike and Tom. After driving in on dirt roads, we are ready for the hike.

Starting off on the hike. First stop will be at the tail section of #158379.

Just before reaching the site of the tail section we came upon a large bomb fragment. This is new, wasn't here a couple of years ago.

It was a MK-84 which is a 2000 pound bomb. Kind of strange that it's painted blue. I thought blue ment that it's inert. This one looks like it exploded.

Making our way up to the tail section.

The tail section from #158379. This I know for a fact because it written on the side. That was easy.

Another view of the tail.

Doug and Mike checking out the tail.