PLANE CRASH EXPLORATION BUSHWHACK SERIES: Van Wyck Mtn. 2 crash sites!

Plane crash exploration series first installment: Two plane crashes on Van Wyck Mountain in the southern Catskills.

Van Wyck is one of the Catskill 100 highest and a force to be reckoned with to it's steep, ominous, and rocky final approach to it's summit. We'll be bushwhacking to the summit of Van Wyck and exploring two separate plane crash sites along the way.

Approximate Distance: 7 miles

Approximate Gain: 1900'

Plane crash #1..........

The USAF T-33A training jet (tail number 55-4402) was just an hour out of Stewart Airfield on November 1st, 1962 when Lt.Colonel Carl Colson and Captain Russell Johansen perished when they lost control of the aircraft while they were practicing acrobatics during testing. The single engine jet was manufactured by Lockheed Martin in 1955.

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On the first of November, 1962 Lt. Colonel Carl Colson and Captain Russel Johanson lost control of a T-33 trainer and crashed into the southern ridge of Van Wyck mountain in the Catskills. Both men died on impact. The wreckage of the jet still lies in the forest under a canopy of beech and birch trees.

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Date of Crash: 11/1/1962

Aircraft Model: T-33A

Military or Civilian: Military

Tail Number: 55-4402

Cause of Crash:
Pilot lost control while practicing acrobatics during testing.

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Plane crash #2:

Civilian plane wreck from 1977. Information provided from the NTSB....

NTSB Identification: NYC78FA005

Event occurred Saturday, November 05, 1977 in CLARYVILLE, NY

Aircraft: PIPER PA-23, registration: N14277

PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
PILOT IN COMMAND - ATTEMPTED OPERATION BEYOND EXPERIENCE/ABILITY LEVEL
PILOT IN COMMAND - CONTINUED VFR FLIGHT INTO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS
PILOT IN COMMAND - IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT DECISIONS OR PLANNING
FACTOR(S)

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(the map below is a reference to the area and distance of the plane crashes (gold x's) and the summit of Van Wyck. The white flag bottom left will be our approximate starting point at the parking area on Peekamoose Rd. in Grahamsville NY. The red line loop will not be our hike plan although we will be following a similar path from the parking area to the summit of Van Wyck as an out and back)

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A note about plane crash sites: Please remember that lives were lost and these sites should be treated with respect for the families affected. As always we will not leave anything nor taking anything away but knowledge of the area and bushwhacking experience.

NOTE: You are responsible for bringing appropriate gear, supplies, clothing, first aid, and lights. You should review topographic maps and trail features carefully; understanding topography of any hike is key to your knowing where you are, where you're going, and how to get back. See suggestions for GEAR on the "About" page for additional gear ideas.

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If you join us for a hike (or any other event), please understand that you are responsible for your own preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. You agree not to hold the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, or any other members responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen at a planned event. You are responsible to research the event, know the area, and bring the proper gear.

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