F-104D "71324" (57-1324) 479th Tactical Fighter Wing, Tactical Air Command (TAC), USAF at George AFB

F-104D, construction number 283-5036, model 383-04-06, US serial number 57-1324, built by Lockheed
accepted by USAF on April 1, 1959; delivery date April 10, 1959; 479th Tactical Fighter Wing (Tactical Air Command), George AFB, CA
479 TFW at George until it was damaged in March 1964 during a high crosswind landing when it departed the runway collapsing the right MLG at George AFB
it was repaired that year and continued with 479TFW until transfer to AF Proving Ground Center (AF Systems Command), Eglin AFB, FL in June 1967
November 1968 to Air Force Armament Development & Test Center (AFSC), Eglin AFB
August 1972 to 198th TFS of 156th Tactical Fighter Group (Puerto Rico Air National Guard), San Juan IAP, Puerto Rico
(Small-D: did not have a gun compartment auxiliary fuel tank)
on December 20, 1972 it crashed operating from Muniz ANGB during a late afternoon air refueling exercise,
aircraft caught fire after disengaging from the refueling basket; both pilots ejected safely; declared written off January 31, 1973.

copyright © Jos van Nes