On 4/17/68 the A-4A Skyhawk BUNo 137828 from the Reserve Attack Squadron 776, flying out of the Los Alamitos Naval Air Station crashed in Anza-Borrego after it’s engine failed. The pilot, Lt. Jerry P. Shafer was able ejected safely from 3000 feet.

I found this crash site by accident while looking for a place to camp for the night.

After hiking up and over the ridge, I got my first view of the crash site which is in the center of the photo. At this point I no idea of what type of aircraft is at the site, but I was guessing that it would be a small Cessna or Piper.

I first spotted the crash site while looking for a place to camp for the night. While driving up a canyon, I saw a lot of shiny stuff on the hillside further up the canyon.

The first piece of wreckage I came upon.

Taking a look at the piece, I could see two sets of the letters on it, JE and NTAKE. Must have said "JET INTAKE".

Another piece in a bush close by.

First sign that it is a military aircraft.

It was a Navy plane.

When I found this, thought that it was a piece of the landing gear. I was still thinking of it being a small plane.

At the impact site.

There is a lot wreckage remaining. Still have no idea of what type of aircraft it is.