TF-104G "38453" (serial number 63-8453) formation lead in 1969

TF-104G, construction number 583D-5757, company model 583-10-20, US serial number 63-8453, built by Lockheed
manufactured by Group USA (ARGE-USA); first flight 1963 coded with US serial number "63-8453"
 aircraft delivered 1963 for Germany; operated by the 4510th CCTW at Luke AFB coded 38453 (German shadow serial number 2755)
in USAF Silver-finish colors; Wing was renamed 58 TFTW on January 1, 1970
crashed March 27, 1974 during landing after a Functional Check Flight (FCF) at Luke AFB after loosing the Nose Wheel Steering and Anti-skid system,
with a blown main left tire the aircraft drifted off the runway and was damaged beyond economical repair (DBR); both US pilots were ok
operated by the 418 TFTS of the 58 TFTW; 2.242 flight hours; written off; struck off charge order (AVA) June 1, 1975.

copyright © Wolfgang Hubrich