Arizona has long been regarded one of the best states for flight training by the military. This is primarily due to the sunny weather and open space that allows for a great training environment. Not only did airmen from the United States train here, but pilots from Germany, France, Spain, England, China and South America were trained here through the decades. The major airfields that were operational in Arizona through the years include: Kingman,  Ajo, Yuma, Coolidge, Dateland, Luke, Williams, Falcon, Gila Bend,  Yucca, Thunderbird, Marana, Davis-Monthan, and Douglas.

During World War II, Arizona became a major hub in the training of USAAF personnel on the many airfields that were located here. As a result, there were over 300 aviation mishaps that occurred in the mountains and flatlands all over the state by September, 1945. In the following years when jets were introduced to the Air Force, about 400 more aviation mishaps were within the state by 1960. A few of these crash sites were left the way they were the day they crashed, while most of the bigger pieces of the other crash sites have been cleaned up years ago by the military, forest service or by people who would melt the aluminum down to sell to scrappers. Either way, there is always something to photograph or document at these sites to help preserve what is left of these great WWII and early jet-era aircraft. Most of the planes located throughout the state are; AT-6, BT-13, P-40, P-38, B-25, B-17, B-24, B-29, B-50, F-5, T-33, T-37, T-38, P-80, F-84, F-86, F-100, F-101 and F-104. 

Today, wreckchasing is a popular hobby among the people who enjoy hiking in the outdoors and have an appreciation for vintage military aircraft. If you find a site, you should respect it whether it was a fatal one  or not. One thing I see at some sites that I find inexcusable, is trash. If you can hike it in, then please hike it out.  Also, if you'd like to take a photograph of a painted surface like the national insignia or serial number, please turn that part back over so it is not facing up in direct contact with the eroding elements.

 Here are some photos and stories I have of the approximately 100+ crash sites I have visited.  Check back periodically as I will try to put up new sites from my collection monthly.

If you have any information regarding a crash site please contact me as I am always looking for leads.  If you or someone you know was involved in a wreck in Arizona, please don't hesitate to contact me as I can probably point you in the right direction for finding information on the crash, or even the crash itself as I have many resources pertaining to the mishaps during WWII and the years following. Out of respect for these sites of lost airmen or aircraft, I do not give out locations except for legitimate reasons including family members or friends wanting to visit the site.

 Also, I am always looking for old pictures of crashed aircraft, and aviation cadet yearbooks or other literature from Arizona airfields to help in my research, if anyone can help. 

Copyright © 2003 Arizona Aircraft Archaeology