chieftt26
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Post by chieftt26 on Oct 8, 2008 12:39:16 GMT 9
I recently had a model of the F106A Dart 59-0001 made up to commemorate Colonel John Fowler, 5FIS Commander Jan 66-Oct 66. He lost his life flying during a Buckskin Rider exercise Oct 66 - a joint SAC/ADCOM exercise. This was a top notch Commander, but ignored one of his own rules "Always have a flat place to land in every situation". I believe he thought he did, but a small rise sheared off his gear causing the plane to flip. Unsure if he actually survived and died from exposure or what. The base did not repond immediately thinking it was part of the exercise simulations. I have no idea what happened to his son and widow, but have often thought maybe they would maintain contact with the 5FIS, but no one I contacted during the last reunion was aware of their whereabouts. If anyone know of their whereabouts, I would appreciate that informtion.
Norris Thompson, CMSgt (Ret), ChiefTT@msn.com
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pnyxprss2000
F-106 Qualified
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Post by pnyxprss2000 on Feb 14, 2010 12:18:29 GMT 9
For what its worth, I was out at the crash site not long after Col Fowler went down. He brought the Bird down in a perfect landing configuration. From the surrounding area, it appeared that he attempted to bring it down on a frozen lake in the area, however he didn't make it. He brought it down in a cornfield instead. The plane was pretty much in one piece with the exception of the gears being sheared off on impact. I don't know if it was fact or not but from what I was told, he survived the wreck, but both of his legs were broken so he was unable to get out of it. The cockpit area caught fire and he succumbed to the fire. Yes it's true that Air Rescue wouldn't send a chopper out until after the Air Police, traveling the long way around by roads to get to the scene confirmed the crash, but by that time he was gone. I worked in P. E. out of the Ops Building and my enlistment was up on Nov 29, 1966 so I left Minot not too awful long after that happened.
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