California is a large and diverse state. The breadth
of its landscape is unequaled by any other state in the Uniona landscape
that can be very unforgiving to aviators who do not respect its challenges
by Gary P. Macha
Review by Tom Hamilton
California is a large and diverse state. The breadth
of its landscape is unequaled by any other state in the Uniona landscape
that can be very unforgiving to aviators who do not respect its challenges
Between 1909 and 1996 there have been more than 1400 aircraft crashes in California, many in remote areas. The author, Gary Macha, has combined his skills and interests in aviation history, archaeology, and hiking to create a resource with two purposes. First, to chronicle the approximate location of every aircraft crash site in the mountains and deserts of California. Second, to provide information on the cause and factors that contributed to these crashes.
Man has left an archaeological trail dating back tens of thousands of years. His bones, dwelling, art, and technologies are now part of, or will be part of, the archaeological record. Aircraft archaeology is the study and identification of wrecked or abandoned aircraft. A popular pastime in Europe for more than three decades it is now catching on in the United States as more people take to outdoor hiking.
While the vast majority of aviation wrecks are light planes, lighter-than-air wrecks can also be found. A few examples:
"1909. Sightseeing balloon carrying paying customers from Pasadena drifted into snow-covered Strawberry Peak. The pilot and passengers walked to Colby's Ranch for assistance. The gondola was seen on the mountainside for many years but no trace remains today;
"10/17/44. Goodyear Blimp US Navy hit 1,600' ridge west of Avalon while on anti-submarine patrol in low clouds and fog. Six crewmen died and five survived with serious injuries. Gondola and engines remain at crash site, partly overgrown by chaparral;
"1944-45. Goodyear FG1 US Navy was lost during World War II and was not located until 1967. Wreck found by hikers near Saratoga Springs, 35 miles SE of Furnace Creek. Human remains and machine guns were recovered from the crash site in Death Valley National Monument."
Now when the weather is nonconducive to ballooning, the balloonist can go exploring for old aircraft wrecks. The book divides the state into 15 regions. Each chapter lists the known wrecks chronologically by date in 214 pages. There are numerous photographs, but no maps. The exploration is left to the adventurer
A 50 minute companion video was produced for those who would prefer to view the aeronautical archaeology from the comfort of the couch. Wreck Finding: Lost But Not Forgotten, $19.95.
Aviation Wrecks in the mountains and deserts of California, by Gary P. Macha, 214 pages soft cover, $19.95. To order: Info Net Publishing, 34188 Coast Highway Suite C, Dana Point, CA 92629, phone 714-489-9292, fax 714-489-9595, e-mail: infonetpub@aol.com.
