Aviation Archaeology - Exploring 66 Years of History on Mt. Tam

This weekend I got to do something amazing -- join fellow aviation enthusiasts and aviation archaeologist, Craig Fuller on a hike documenting the wreckage of two downed Corsairs in Mt. Tam.

"On October 4th, 1945 US Navy F4U-1D Bu# 50391 and FG-1A Bu# 13858 of VF-82 out of Alameda NAS collided at 10,000 ft over the Rock Spring area of Mt Tamalpias, while practicing the “Thatch Weave.” Both pilots, Ensign Vincent Daley and Lt. (jg) Charles W. Ankerberg, bailed out successfully, although Daley was bad injured." - Craig Fuller





Parts of the hike were brutal, but it was well worth it! This was the steep ascent where some engine parts can be found scattered beneath the forest layers. I was amazed with how well preserved these items were, and how quickly you can climb a hill when something shiny catches your eye!

This exhaust manifold still had the safety wire 
well attached and is located just a bit further a top
the hill where the engine was found.

The upper right corner picture is of some push-pull rods found near the wing section.

The upper left and center photos show color scheme on this aircraft shows the earlier paint job on the Corsair of white and blue.

And a couple random close-ups







Here is the wing section complete with wheel well. The entire wing was bent in a way that had all of us wondering which side we were looking at initially. Once we recognized the wheel section, it became clear.

And then of course, the family shot in front of the wing!




There are numerous sites in the Bay Area worth exploring, some with much more tragic histories. Please just remember, that if you visit any of these sites, "take only pictures, leave only footprints."





To find out more information or get involved, here are some additional links:

http://norcalwreckchasers.ning.com/
http://tighar.org/
http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/
http://www.wreckchasing.com/





If  your wondering....aircraft parts weren't the only bones we found. Mt Tam is full of surprises, including this old structure made of rocks, crystals and animal remains.