Remarks: Photographed on the flight line at NAS Willow Grove, PA.
This aircraft, on 05 April 2009 experienced a fatal crash into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Long Island, NY, while practicing low level aerobatics. The owner / pilot did not survive and the aircraft was never recovered.
Remarks: “Delta Dart”. The aircraft on display was involved in an unusual incident. During a training mission from Malmstrom AFB on February 2, 1970, it suddenly entered an uncontrollable flat spin forcing the pilot to eject. Unpiloted, the aircraft recovered on its own, apparently due to the balance and configuration changes caused by the ejection, and miraculously made a gentle belly landing in a snow-covered field near Big Sandy, Montana. After minor repairs, the aircraft was returned to service. It last served with the 49th Fighter Interceptor Squadron.
