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Wild Horse Table: Jet Crash Site Traditional Cache

Hidden : 6/15/2011
Difficulty:
3 out of 5
Terrain:
4 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:


This cache will bring you to a jet crash site from over 40 years ago. The debris is that of a USAF Phantom F-4D. The tail number was 65889 and the accident date was October 04, 1969.


As you approach the geocache coordinates you will see remains of the crash. The micro cash is hidden within the nacelle, or that part of the fuselage which housed the engines. It will be found along the bottom or lower part of the nacelle, on the south side. The wreckage can be easily seen; the cache not so easily seen. The photo (with the GPS) might help.


Additional information & locations: The engines can be found on top of Wild Horse Table. You can get on top of the mesa/table two ways. One way is to climb up the 100' foot cliff(s) near the nacelle. The other way is to drive around Wild Horse Table to the east, then south and finally up Crab Creek Road. I have done both. The drive is very rocky, much rockier than the road leading to the lower crash site. Due to the close proximity of the engines to the nacelle, conditions/weather permitting, I would climb up the cliffs to the engines and additional debris rather than drive around. Once you step on top of the mesa/table the engines are in plain site.


The coordinates of the engines are: N42 23 44.9, W116 03 41.9. Additional debris can be found approximately 200 yards further south of the engines at: N42 23 38.0 W116 03 40.2.


By visiting the EveryTrail site and the trip I did regarding the 'Wild Horse Table: Jet Crash Site' you can get additional information with more photos of the nacelle and debris as well as see the specific track(s) used to approached the nacelle, engines & debris. http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1147703


Note: I was there mid June and there was a significant amount of snow remaining which is not all that unusual considering the altitude is 6,000. Owyhee roads are not for the faint of heart or your average family van or sedan. A 4-wheel drive vehicle with high clearance, ATV, UTV or motorcycle is recommended. Be prepared to rely on yourself in the Owyhees and be aware that where you're going is inhabited by snakes (yes, rattlesnakes) and other critters.

Addendum: TeamMidway visited this crash site on September 26, 2022 and erected an incredible memorial (near the nacelle) honoring the two pilots who perished in the crash. He also provided the following additional information:


"The crash actually occurred October 2nd, 1969. It was reported in the Idaho Statesman on October 4th. The plane was an RF-4C, tail number 65-0889. There were two pilots on board. Major Walter Biolley, and First Lieutenant James E. Coleman both died in the crash."

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Cebgehqvat sebz n ubyr va anpryyr, lbh fubhyq frr n cvrpr bs jver juvpu vf nggnpurq gb gur zvpeb pbagnvare.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)