On 11/17/55 the USAF C-54E Skymaster #44-9068 crashed while on a routine flight carrying scientific and technical personnel from the Lockheed Skunk Works in Burbank, California to Groom Lake, Nevada where they were working on the U-2 spy plane. Because of the secrecy, the crew were never in contact with air traffic control. The plane flew on a new route that would cut 10 minutes off the total flight time by first heading northeast to Goodsprings, then turning northwest to their destination. The pilot thought they were flying west of the Spring Mountains, but a 75 mph crosswind, twice as much as expected, pushed the C-54 into a canyon heading toward Charleston Peak. The error in the aircraft’s position in relation to the Spring Mountain range and blinded by clouds resulted in the C-54 impacting just 50 feet below the crest of the ridge leading to Charleston Peak’s 11,818 foot summit. The crew of four and the ten passengers were killed in the accident.

Chip , Sooz, me and Robin at the South Loop trailhead at 7,600 feet. My plan is to hike to the crash site at 11,400 feet while the others continue on to the peak which is 400 feet higher and about half mile past the crash site.

Looking back down into Kyle Canyon after hiking about one and half miles. We'll be starting up the switchbacks soon.

Charleston Peak shows through the trees while on the switchbacks.

We came upon large patches of snow between 9,600 and 10,600 feet. Here we are hiking up the slope because we lost the trail.

After hiking about 4.5 miles and gaining 3,100 feet of altitude, we reached the top of the switchbacks and now are on the ridge leading to the peak. It will be about another 4.0 miles and due to the ups and downs on the trail, another 1,100 foot gain to reach the C-54's crash site.

At the top of the switchbacks, Sooz and Robin headed off to climb Griffith Peak which will add a mile and 500 feet of gain to their hike while Chip and I continued on. They will met up with us at the crash site.

It took a long time, but finally we are approaching Charleston Peak. The crash site maked by the arrow is about 400 feet below the peak. This photo was taken from three quarters of a mile away.

We found this prop hub next to the trail about a quarter mile from the site. The only way I could think it got where was someone who took it decided it was to heavy to carry for 8 miles and tossed it.

Another piece of wreckage as we start getting closer to the site.

Almost there. Some wreckage can be seen on the left edge of the snow patch.