GC72AB8 Aviation Cache: Scorpion Down - December 9, 1968 (Traditional Cache) in Iowa, United States created by captainj

GC72AB8 ▼

A cache by captainj Message this owner

Hidden : 3/18/2017

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Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

Two Iowa Air National Guard Scorpions in Flight

On December 9, 1968 an F-89J Scorpion fighter assigned to the Iowa Air National Guard's 124th Squadron in Des Moines crashed in Hamilton County.

The F-89 was flying northeast on a routine bomber interceptor training mission. Both the pilot, Capt. John Rooks of Eldora, and his radar intercept officer, Lt. Larry Thomas of Ogden, perished in the crash. The aircraft impacted the home of the Peter Tjernagel family. Six members of the family were able to escape from their home.

Debris was scattered over a quarter mile area. Some debris fell on Interstate 35 closing the highway for a time.

A big thank you to JensenAdventurers who told us about the podcast from the Tjernagel family who discuss the crash and the aftermath. If you love good history stories check out the family's story at www.follinglopodcast.com.

The Iowa Air National Guard F-89J's were replaced in the sumer of 1969 with F-84F Thunderstreaks.

This cache is placed on the west side of Interstate 35 opposite from the crash site, which was on the east side. The farm on the north side of the road was the location of the crash site.

Thank you to the Story City Historical Society for helping with information on this event.