YF-104A "FG-962" on the Palmdale line in April 1957 YF-104A, construction number 183-1008, model 183-93-02, US serial number 55-2962, built by Lockheedready for delivery June 18, 1956, acceptance by USAF August 27, 1956, delivery date August 27, 1956 clear air turbulence ripped off tip tank and sliced through tail at 27,000 ft, aircraft tumbled uncontrolled, pilot Jack Simpson ejected safely and aircraft crashed at Harper Dry Lake, west of Barstow, California on May 1, 1957 flying out of Palmdale, California, tip tank had been installed improperly. May 1, 1957 JF-104A 55-2962 near Harper Dry Lake, John J. "Suitcase" Simpson ejection. "ball 8" (8th YF-104A). It was used for specific test flying and was one of the F-104s which never got a ventral fin due to its early loss. copyright © Chris Baird
