August 17, 1983, U.S. Navy, TA-7C near Valle, AZ

On August 17th 1983, a U.S. NAVY TA-7C Corsair II flying from California's Lemoore Naval Air Station to Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico crashed near Valle, Arizona. Lt. Cmdr. Gregory S. Thompson, age 32. was in cruise flight at 28,000 feet when his canopy suddenly separated from his aircraft. Thompson, unable to control the aircraft, safely ejected and free fell 15,000 feet before his parachute opened. The aircraft, entering a steep high-speed descent, impacted about 12 miles east of Valle and about 3 miles north of Highway 180 in Northern Arizona.
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I knew of this accident for many years, but had never been able to locate the crash site.

During a company training flight in April 2008, I discovered an impact crater with wreckage projecting to the north of the crater. I circled the site, took photos, and noted the location using my Garmin 60CSx GPS Receiver. In May, I drove to the site and was able to confirm through part numbers, the identity of wreckage as being that of the TA-7C Corsair.

The aircraft upon impact, created a crater about 20 feet across and 8 feet deep. I observed displaced and fractured lava basalt rock within the crater. Wreckage debris extended north 1,200' from the crater. Engine components in the form of first stage and compressor blades and sections were located throughout the debris field.

Overall, the site appears to be undisturbed since the investigation was completed in 1983. Kudos to Lt. Cmdr. Thompson for a safe ejection!

A pair of U.S. Navy TA-7C's in formation.
The impact crater of the Corsair II was visible as we circled the site in the Caravan. Wreckage (white specks) and exposed soil can be seen radiating from the impact point. (2008 LostFlights)
Another aerial view of the impact crater. Wreckage debris extends into the Junipers. (2008 LostFlights)
The impact crater looking east. It had been a long time since Ive seen an aircraft destroyed this badly. The best part of course being that no lives were lost in this accident. (2008 LostFlights)
The impact crater looking to the north. (2008 LostFlights)
The impact crater looking south. No roads lead directly to this crash site and most of the travel was made by truck on open range land. (2008 LostFlights)
This fragment had a few placards attached. (2008 LostFlights)
This fragment was part of the wing hinge section that folds for aircraft carrier operations. (2008 LostFlights)
The reverse side of the hinged wing fragment. (2008 LostFlights)
Another hinged folding wing section. (2008 LostFlights)
A large 3 foot section of lightweight metal from a flight control surface. (2008 LostFlights)
Trailing edge portion of the three foot flight control fragment. Possibly rudder? (2008 LostFlights)
(2008 LostFlights)
(2008 LostFlights)
Even the tires on the A-7 Corsair fragmented on impact. Nothing on this aircraft was spared damage. (2008 LostFlights)
(2008 LostFlights)
Fuel cell access panel. (2008 LostFlights)
I found these titanium alloy sections of the Corsair's Pratt and Whitney TF30-P-6 turbofan engine.
The remaining section of the engine's tailcone exhaust assembly amid other titanium alloy fragments. (2008 LostFlights)
An engine casing and other fragments were scattered further into this field. (2008 LostFlights)
(2008 LostFlights)
This fragment contained a part number and manufacturer's inspection stamp. The prefix of "215" on the part number designates the aircraft make and type as being that of an A-7 Corsair. (2008 LostFlights)
(2008 LostFlights)
This panel not only contained a part number that verified the aircraft model but also the serial number of the aircraft as "510". (2008 LostFlights)
(2008 LostFlights)
(2008 LostFlights)
(2008 LostFlights)
(2008 LostFlights)
(2008 LostFlights)
Looking to the east across relatively flat terrain reveals no sign of an airplane crash. You would literaly have to walk up on this one, or in my case spot it from the air first. (2008 LostFlights)