Bear Swamp Hill Thunderchief Crash
Posted by: 
mars888
N 39° 45.148 W 074° 27.909
18S E 545819 N 4400420
A hill top in the Pine barrens where the Thunderchief, piloted by Major William F. Dimas struck & destroyed the fire tower. The craft impacted more then 900 trees coming to rest in Bear Hill Swamp below about 1200’ from the tower.
Waymark Code: WMHZ0B
Location: New Jersey, United States
Date Posted: 08/29/2013
Views: 14
An interesting spot on one of the highest hills in the barrens. A short drive on sand roads which can normally be driven in standard cars gets you to the parking area. Use caution, if flooded, or raining.
Then walk about 250’ feet up hill on a gentle graded road & path to the hill top/crash site.
Watch out for bugs, briers etc. especially if you go downhill to the swamp. The fire tower was never replaced, but the base is in the clearing.
You can visit the swamp site also but there are a lot of ticks & the terrain is overgrown, swampy & difficult.
Any interesting pictures from the crash path would be greatly appreciated.
Almost all of the aircraft was removed after the crash but there are a few large & many small parts still out there. Please leave any you see there as you found them.
This is matter of law & of respect for the lost airman.
Web Address for Related Web Sites: [Web Link]
Date of Crash: 01/16/1971
Aircraft Model: F-105 Thunderchief
Military or Civilian: Military
Cause of Crash:
While making a practice bombing run in toward the Warren Grove Range, the F-105 struck the fire lookout tower on top of hill. Having destroyed the tower, the craft continued SE descending into trees & landing about 1200' down hill in the swamp near N 39° 44.979 W 074° 27.585.
Tail Number: Not listed
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