On 4/9/57 the North American TF-100C Super Sabre #54-1966 suffered a serious failure that tore off part of it's tail northwest of Kramer Junction. The North American Aviation test pilot Robert Baker ejected successfully and suffered only minor injuries. The fighter continued another 15 miles before crashing in an area north of Edwards Air Force Base. This sole TF-100C was a prototype of the two-seat trainer version of the F-100, developed by North American as a private venture. It was converted from the F-100C #54-1966 and made its first flight on 1/17/55.

North American TF-100C #54-1966 takeoff. The TF-100C was the prototype aircraft for the F-100F. North American developed the two-seat trainer version on speculation, at no cost to the USAF. (U.S. Air Force photo)

North American TF-100C #54-1966 in flight. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Heading towards the area where pieces from the tail came to rest.

After a short hike, I'm came upon a group of pieces that previous visitors had gathered.

This was the largest piece, it's about three feet across. Looks like it's from the horizontal stabilizer, but not sure.

Same piece turned over, it has an attachment point for a rod end on it.

Close up on the rod end mount. The Super Sabre has a full flying stab, if this is a piece is the skin, can't figure out what this mount would be for.

These parts are petals from the engine's variable exhaust nozzle.

Closer look at one of the nozzle petals.

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I think this piece maybe from the stab's trailing edge.

This four foot long piece from the stab still has some of the red paint on it.

The other side of the same piece showing it's structure.

After checking out the pieces that were gathered together, I starting searching for others that might be in the area. Found these about 1500 feet to the northeast.

The red paint on one of them indicates that they are probably from the same plane.

Found another piece nearby.

Another one in the same general area.

Close up of the same piece showing a part number and stamps. The number's prefix is partially blocked by a rivet, but what little shows looks like it's from the Super Sabre. The inspection stamp with RR, I can't figure out, the other is blocked by a rivet.

Another piece still in the same general area.

Heading back southwest and past the gathered pieces found this one.

The other side of the same piece.

Another part from the nozzle, this is about two hundred yards southwest of the gathered pieces. Found two of these in this area, probably where they came to rest after coming off the plane.

After checking out the area the tail pieces fell, I went to the main crash site. This site was given to me, never would have found it on my own. Not much remains here.

Close up of some of the remaining pieces.

What little remained was badly burned. Wanted to try and find a part number to confirm that this was a Super Sabre site, so started searching around beyond the burn area.

This was an interesting looking part.

Turned out to be a ball bearing.

After searching for about half an hour, this little piece caught my eye. Just happens that the part number was showing. The prefix looks like 182, but is more likely 192 which is from a F-100.

I have to thank the guys who helped me find and confirm the sites, thanks, you know who you are.

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