On 11/19/67, the Piper PA-28 Cherokee N9222J crashed in the southern Sierra mountains when the non instrument rated pilot attempted flying into IFR conditions while on a flight from Bishop, Ca to Van Nuys, Ca. The pilot suffered from spatial disorientation, lost control and crashed into the mountain side. Killed in the accident were the pilot and his 10 year old daughter. His wife and 13 year old daughter survived trapped in the wreckage for 36 hours before being found and taken to the Ridgecrest Community Hospital. The search for the downed plane was based at China Lake Naval Air Station and headed by the pilot’s brother. The pilot was the actor-stunt man who portrayed the “White Knight” in the 1960’s Ajax laundry detergent commercials.

This photo of the Cherokee N9222J was taken shortly after the accident.

Looking back at my truck as I hike up the ridge. This shot was taken after gaining about a 1000 feet, still have a ways to go.

Using binoculars I was able to spot some wreckage in the trees. I also could see what looked like six more pieces scattered for a long distance on the side of the canyon. Plan to hike down the slope on the way out and try to find the other pieces.

A fanbelt was one of the first things I came upon. The trees are to thick to see the wreckage I spotted, but I know that I'm above it.

When I first saw this, I thought it was an antenna.

When I pick it up, could tell it was made from aluminum and had pressue fittings on it. Pretty sure that it's the Cherokee's pitot tube.

Wasn't sure what this was.

Turning it over, it looks like an air vent for the cabin.

Hoses, tubing and wires all harnessed together.