Navy AD-6 Skyraider

Douglas AD-6 Skyraider Bureau Number 135393 crash from July 31, 1957 near Warner Springs, California

Summary: LTJG Harry Burgan departed NAS Mirimar for a simulated rescue combat air patrol workling with ground forces composed of students in a survival course. The mission was to conduct search and strafing runs at low altitude against an enemy searching for the friendly survivor. On the sixth low pass, LTJG Burgan was considerably lower than the previous passes at an altitude of 100-200 feet abve the terrain and flying 180 knots. After completing his last run, he pulled up and to the right into a wingover, turning back to the left towards the mountain and crashed into a sharp rise in the terrain.


Parts are scattered over a wide area.    Original crash photo of where the fuselage came to rest. Photo taken from the same spot. Manzanita and brush have overtaken the area.

 

The fuselage impact area.      

 

Cockpit components. Cockpit switches. Peerless Electrical data plate.  Douglas Aircraft data plate.

 

Original crash photo of the tail section. Photo taken from the same angle as the original.

 

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