Aircraft Wrecks in the Mountains and Deserts of the American West

Douglas A-4C
Date Unknown
 

The desert that surrounds the small community of Ludlow includes at least five crash sites three of which are A-4C Skyhawks. Sorting out the history of our most recent A-4C find has been frustrating thus far, but we hope that continuing research will payoff soon.

Thanks to George Petterson and his Super Cub we were able to locate the A-4C wreck in a remote and mountainous area in August 2009. Our ground team that included myself, son Pat J, Tom Maloney, Dave Mihalik, Chris LeFave and his wife Megan reached the crash site of the mystery A-4C in November 2009. Data plates seen on the wreckage included; A4D-2, A4D-2N, and A-4C. The faded name of the pilot Lt. Dick Wiggin, USN was still visible on a section located just below the cockpit rim, as was a partial Bureau Number that has yet be resolved.

This story will be updated as developments warrant, by the same token any input or assistance in solving this mystery would be greatly appreciated.

 

In November 2009 our team reached the A-4C crash site following a lengthy drive, hike, and climb. Data plates observed in  the wreckage confirmed that the aircraft was a Douglas A-4C Skyhawk flown by the U. S. Navy, and that the pilot may have been Dick Wiggin. While there was no evidence that this was a fatal accident, we hope that on going research will resolve many questions about this remote wreck.
(G. P. Macha photo)
 

Trailing edge of wing section with part of the flap and aileron visible.  (G.P. Macha photo)

Smashed, unburned A-4C wreckage as photographed in November of 2009. (G.P. Macha photo)
 

A-4C main impact, note lack of fire damage to wreckage. The flag is displayed while we examine a military crash.
(G.P. Macha photo)
 

Scattered wreckage of the Douglas A-4C Skyhawk looking SW from main impact. (G.P. Macha)

Oxygen tank from the mystery A-4C. (G. P. Macha photo)
 

Aerial view of the Douglas A-4C crash site in rugged Mojave Desert country thanks to George Petterson.
(G.P. Macha photo)

  

 

 

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