This flight piloted by the civilian test pilot Robert Denn was conducted in connection with Pratt and Whitney J-57-P-21 engine test program on October 22, 1956. The purpose of this particular flight was to determine the ability to obtain afterburner lights after military rated climb with a test afterburner configuration. Take off was made at 10:19am and was uneventful except for a momentary heat and vent overheat light at approximately 3,000 feet. The light went out after power was reduced to approximately 92% RPM. Power was then advanced to military rated power and a climb to 40,000 feet was accomplished. Two descents and climbs between 8,000 feet and 40,000 feet were then made. Approximately 3 minutes after the third descent was started the forward engine compartment fire warning light became illuminated. The throttle was stopcocked but the fire warning light continued to glow after the engine was shut down. All instruments indicated normal both prior to and after engine shutdown and no other evidence of fire was apparent to the pilot. There was no suitable landing area available within gliding range and the pilot considered it too hazardous to attempt an air start, therefore the pilot decided to bail out in accordance with the instructions contained in T.O. 1F00A-1. Ejection was made at approximately 17,000 feet with the aircraft in a 225 knot glide. The pilot suffered no injury except for minor bruises on the calves of his legs caused by the desert bailout pack during touchdown.

A photo of the JF-100A #53-1654

One of the photos from the crash report that helped us find the site.

After meeting Tom at his place I followed him to Death Valley. I've been wanting to search for this Super Sabre for months, but had to wait for the valley temps to cool down first.

The search for the JF-100A will be on flat open desert.

After hiking for about 15 minutes, I saw something that looked like stainless steel in the rocks. Thought it was a piece of aircraft wreckage. Turned out to be a little pot. Usually get fooled by a beer can or balloon. No idea how this would have gotten out here.

A short time later I heard Tom yell out that he found some wreckage. At the same time I came upon this piece, we found it.

Looking around, I could see a lot of small pieces scattered over a lagre area. This piece has the part number prefix of 192 which indicats a North American F-100A Super Sabre.

Another piece. From the crash report we knew that the impact crater was at the south end of a 1200 foot long debris field. The large debris field made it easier to find.

While working our way to the south, found this piece.