Cape Lookout Crash Site
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Hikes to this location:
- Cape Lookout Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
- Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
- Latitude, Longitude: , "° N, <strong class="error">Expression error: Unexpected * operator.</strong>° W" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
- Elevation: feet
Contents |
Description
War time can be tragic in a number of ways in a number of places.
On August 1st, 1943, in the middle of World War II, B-17F flying fortress #42-30326 was headed north up the coast on a routine patrol flight. The plane had left Pendleton Field at 0900 and was tasked with flying to Cape Disappointment on the Oregon Coast. They were then to fly 500 miles out to sea, followed by a direct flight back to Pendleton Field. It was the crew's last mission before a quick 2 week furlough, followed by deployment overseas.
On arriving at the coast, the crew found the entire area hidden in the overcast which extended to an elevation of 8000 feet. The pilot decided to locate Cape Disappointment by flying below the overcast. The overcast proved to reach almost to the level of the sea. The plane was flying at about 50-150 feet above the waves. Deciding that the risk was too great the crew began to climb back up into the overcast. Unfortunately, the plane crashed into the side of Cape Lookout at about 900 feet in elevation.
This marker was put in place to commemorate the lives and bravery of the nine men that died that day, as well as the single survivor, Wilbur Perez, who's still alive today.
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Guidebooks that cover this destination
- Hiking Oregon's Geology, by Ellen Morris Bishop
- 100 Hikes on the Oregon Coast, by William L. Sullivan
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Contributors
- stevefromdodge (creator)