LOSTFLIGHTS' recent photos

This photo illustrates the passenger overhead reading lamp used in the DC-3's passenger cabin.

2009-11-18T02:13:41Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
This photo illustrates the passenger overhead reading lamp used in the DC-3's passenger cabin.

This photo illustrates the position of the landing gear brace leg.

2009-11-18T02:15:49Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
This photo illustrates the position of the landing gear brace leg.

A greeting of "Merry Christmas" was the last communication from Western Air Lines Flight 44 to the Laguna Mountain controllers on duty.

2009-11-15T16:07:42Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
A greeting of "Merry Christmas" was the last communication from Western Air Lines Flight 44 to the Laguna Mountain controllers on duty.

Founded in 1925, Western Air Lines was a large airline based in California, with operations throughout the Western United States, and hubs at Los Angeles International Airport and Salt Lake ...

2009-11-16T02:26:20Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
Founded in 1925, Western Air Lines was a large airline based in California, with operations throughout the Western United States, and hubs at Los Angeles International Airport and Salt Lake ...

This engine mount appeared to have been un-bolted from the engine.

2009-11-18T02:10:41Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
This engine mount appeared to have been un-bolted from the engine.

In the distance, the mountain that the crew of Flight 44 most likely mistaken for Laguna Mountain as they began their premature descent on that dark Christmas Eve night in 1946. (Photo court ...

2009-11-18T02:10:41Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
In the distance, the mountain that the crew of Flight 44 most likely mistaken for Laguna Mountain as they began their premature descent on that dark Christmas Eve night in 1946. (Photo court ...

Craig Fuller of Aviation Archaeology Investigation and Research (AAIR) generously provided the team with photographs taken during the 1946 recovery efforts. From these photographs and the ...

2009-11-16T05:45:08Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
Craig Fuller of Aviation Archaeology Investigation and Research (AAIR) generously provided the team with photographs taken during the 1946 recovery efforts. From these photographs and the ...

We were fortunate to have spent most of the late afternoon at the site. Even more fortunate not to have encountered any rattlesnakes. We ended our visit to the crash site of Western Air ...

2009-11-18T02:10:41Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
We were fortunate to have spent most of the late afternoon at the site. Even more fortunate not to have encountered any rattlesnakes. We ended our visit to the crash site of Western Air ...

Not sure what happened here, but I think I lost my footing. The manzanita brush was just low enough to catch your feet and ankles. (Photo courtesy of Steve Owen)

2009-11-18T02:10:41Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
Not sure what happened here, but I think I lost my footing. The manzanita brush was just low enough to catch your feet and ankles. (Photo courtesy of Steve Owen)

A maintenance access door panel.

2009-11-18T02:10:41Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
A maintenance access door panel.

The same view looking south during our November 2009 visit. The tail section was most likely taken apart and hauled away for it's scrap value.

2009-11-15T17:12:02Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
The same view looking south during our November 2009 visit. The tail section was most likely taken apart and hauled away for it's scrap value.

An engine firewall pan assembly was another identifiable fragment.

2009-11-18T02:10:27Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
An engine firewall pan assembly was another identifiable fragment.

Small fragments littered the site.

2009-11-15T16:32:59Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
Small fragments littered the site.

This engine/propeller reduction gear assembly was found near the disassembled propeller hub.

2009-11-18T02:10:27Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
This engine/propeller reduction gear assembly was found near the disassembled propeller hub.

We located one of the propeller dome assemblies, but someone, possibly CAB accident investigators disassembled the hub. The only propeller blades located at the site were small fragments.

2009-11-18T02:10:27Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
We located one of the propeller dome assemblies, but someone, possibly CAB accident investigators disassembled the hub. The only propeller blades located at the site were small fragments.

An engine mount that supported one of two Pratt & Whitney S1C3G engines. This was one of the largest fragments still present at the site.

2009-11-16T05:43:20Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
An engine mount that supported one of two Pratt & Whitney S1C3G engines. This was one of the largest fragments still present at the site.

A fairly common sight at civilian and commercial accident sites is the presence of coin money such as this U.S. 1942 Quarter Dollar coin.

2009-11-18T02:10:27Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
A fairly common sight at civilian and commercial accident sites is the presence of coin money such as this U.S. 1942 Quarter Dollar coin.

This data placard would have been located on the engine exhaust manifold. An important item as it refers to the DC-3's original configuration as a military C-53.

2009-11-18T02:10:27Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
This data placard would have been located on the engine exhaust manifold. An important item as it refers to the DC-3's original configuration as a military C-53.

A view of the site looking south.

2009-11-18T02:10:27Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
A view of the site looking south.

Steve Owen examining a passenger cabin overhead reading lamp and switch panel.

2009-11-15T22:54:12Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
Steve Owen examining a passenger cabin overhead reading lamp and switch panel.

An important find we made at the site were these fragments from one of Flight 44's two pressure altimeters. According to the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) report both altimeters were recove ...

2009-11-18T02:10:27Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
An important find we made at the site were these fragments from one of Flight 44's two pressure altimeters. According to the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) report both altimeters were recove ...

The data plate from the recovered Kollsman Pressure Altimeter.

2009-11-18T02:10:27Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
The data plate from the recovered Kollsman Pressure Altimeter.

This another type of passenger light/call button switch panel. A two-way selector switch was located in the middle.

2009-11-18T02:10:27Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
This another type of passenger light/call button switch panel. A two-way selector switch was located in the middle.

Despite the severe impact and six decades of weather, this fire extinguisher/fire bottle bracket was in surprisingly good condition.

2009-11-18T02:10:41Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
Despite the severe impact and six decades of weather, this fire extinguisher/fire bottle bracket was in surprisingly good condition.

A glass container fragment from cosmetic manufacturer "Bourjois" of Paris, France belonged to one of Flight 44's female passengers.

2009-11-18T02:10:41Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
A glass container fragment from cosmetic manufacturer "Bourjois" of Paris, France belonged to one of Flight 44's female passengers.

This fuel shutoff valve was manufactured by Pratt & Whitney.

2009-11-18T02:10:41Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
This fuel shutoff valve was manufactured by Pratt & Whitney.

Three engine cylinders were found on this boulder. It appears that one or both engines were taken apart by the CAB investigators during their on-site examination.

2009-11-18T02:10:27Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
Three engine cylinders were found on this boulder. It appears that one or both engines were taken apart by the CAB investigators during their on-site examination.

The same view taken during our November 2009 visit. Nearly 63 years later.

2009-11-15T17:03:21Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
The same view taken during our November 2009 visit. Nearly 63 years later.

Sheared from it's mounts, the remains of a main landing gear brace leg.

2009-11-18T02:10:27Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
Sheared from it's mounts, the remains of a main landing gear brace leg.

Back in 1946, smoking was allowed on commercial airliners and every passenger seat row on the DC-3 had an ashtray like this mounted to the cabin wall

2009-11-18T02:10:27Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
Back in 1946, smoking was allowed on commercial airliners and every passenger seat row on the DC-3 had an ashtray like this mounted to the cabin wall

A seat pan from from one of the pilot's crew chairs in the cockpit.

2009-11-18T02:10:27Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
A seat pan from from one of the pilot's crew chairs in the cockpit.

An engine carburetor intake screen.

2009-11-18T02:10:27Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
An engine carburetor intake screen.

With wreckage present, the painted yellow "X"s were visible confirmation that we were at the crash site I had seen from the air in 2003.

2009-11-16T05:42:24Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
With wreckage present, the painted yellow "X"s were visible confirmation that we were at the crash site I had seen from the air in 2003.

Trey examining a wreckage fragment at the DC-3's main impact point.

2009-11-15T16:30:32Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
Trey examining a wreckage fragment at the DC-3's main impact point.

The Piper PA-28 Cherokee is a family of light aircraft designed for flight training, air taxi and personal use, built by Piper Aircraft. The accident aircraft, N1753J was a 1966 model that ...

2009-11-11T21:33:17Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
The Piper PA-28 Cherokee is a family of light aircraft designed for flight training, air taxi and personal use, built by Piper Aircraft. The accident aircraft, N1753J was a 1966 model that ...

Trey with the burned remains of the Piper's left wing.

2009-11-12T00:08:25Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
Trey with the burned remains of the Piper's left wing.

Very little remained of the aircraft's interior cabin. (Photo courtesy of Trey Brandt)

2009-11-12T00:08:25Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
Very little remained of the aircraft's interior cabin. (Photo courtesy of Trey Brandt)

Trey examines the aircraft cabin area. (Photo courtesy of Steve Owen)

2009-11-12T00:02:36Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
Trey examines the aircraft cabin area. (Photo courtesy of Steve Owen)

I examined the interior side of the door and noticed that the handles were missing or had been removed.

2009-11-12T00:02:36Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
I examined the interior side of the door and noticed that the handles were missing or had been removed.

November 9, 2009, Trey Brandt (right), myself, and Steve Owen (not pictured) begin the climb up the west slope of Cuyapaipe Mountain. (Photo courtesy of Steve Owen)

2009-11-12T00:02:36Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
November 9, 2009, Trey Brandt (right), myself, and Steve Owen (not pictured) begin the climb up the west slope of Cuyapaipe Mountain. (Photo courtesy of Steve Owen)

I found a fragment of one of the two flight control yokes. Often a broken yoke in this manner is an indication that the pilot had his hands on the controls during impact.

2009-11-12T00:08:25Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
I found a fragment of one of the two flight control yokes. Often a broken yoke in this manner is an indication that the pilot had his hands on the controls during impact.

An overview of the main impact site of N1753J.

2009-11-12T00:08:25Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
An overview of the main impact site of N1753J.

Close-up view of the placard.

2009-11-12T00:08:25Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
Close-up view of the placard.

I noticed this manufacturer ID placard on the right aileron flight control surface.

2009-11-12T00:08:25Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
I noticed this manufacturer ID placard on the right aileron flight control surface.

To better examine the wreckage we decided to flip the remains of the Piper over which gave us a better perspective of the damage to the plane. One major component that was missing from the ...

2009-11-12T00:08:25Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
To better examine the wreckage we decided to flip the remains of the Piper over which gave us a better perspective of the damage to the plane. One major component that was missing from the ...

The cockpit of the Piper showed evidence of substantial impact damage as well as fire.

2009-11-12T00:08:25Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
The cockpit of the Piper showed evidence of substantial impact damage as well as fire.

The aircraft engine oil cooler was among a few engine components scattered around the main impact site.

2009-11-12T00:02:36Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
The aircraft engine oil cooler was among a few engine components scattered around the main impact site.

As we examined the wreckage and the site it was becoming clear that some salvaging of parts had taken place over the past 41 years since the accident. Missing were the pilot/passenger seat ...

2009-11-12T00:02:36Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
As we examined the wreckage and the site it was becoming clear that some salvaging of parts had taken place over the past 41 years since the accident. Missing were the pilot/passenger seat ...

When we arrived at the main wreckage site, we noticed that the airplane was inverted with it's right wing still attached.

2009-11-12T00:02:36Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
When we arrived at the main wreckage site, we noticed that the airplane was inverted with it's right wing still attached.

Trey heading up to the main wreckage site of the Piper.

2009-11-12T00:02:36Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
Trey heading up to the main wreckage site of the Piper.

The Piper's left wing was burned extensively.

2009-11-12T00:02:36Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
The Piper's left wing was burned extensively.

Trey located this fragment which turned out to be the left wing of the Piper.

2009-11-12T00:02:36Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
Trey located this fragment which turned out to be the left wing of the Piper.

It was difficult to locate small pieces of wreckage due to the dense brush in the area. Being in prime snake country and with warm temperatures we were constantly watching for rattlesnakes ...

2009-11-12T00:02:36Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
It was difficult to locate small pieces of wreckage due to the dense brush in the area. Being in prime snake country and with warm temperatures we were constantly watching for rattlesnakes ...

Expecting to see the shattered remains of a Douglas DC-3, I was surprised to find that it was the engine cowl door from a Piper Cherokee 140.

2009-11-12T00:18:06Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
Expecting to see the shattered remains of a Douglas DC-3, I was surprised to find that it was the engine cowl door from a Piper Cherokee 140.

Once on the eastern slope of Cuyapaipe Mountain, we located some wreckage amid the boulders.

2009-11-12T00:02:36Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
Once on the eastern slope of Cuyapaipe Mountain, we located some wreckage amid the boulders.

Cuyapaipe Mountain is the highest point in the Laguna Mountains in eastern San Diego County. Its slopes mainly consist of typical San Diego County chaparral country with manzanita and scrub ...

2009-11-12T00:02:36Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
Cuyapaipe Mountain is the highest point in the Laguna Mountains in eastern San Diego County. Its slopes mainly consist of typical San Diego County chaparral country with manzanita and scrub ...

Fellow hikers Steve Owen and Trey Brandt take a break as we near the crest of the ridge line.

2009-11-12T00:02:36Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
Fellow hikers Steve Owen and Trey Brandt take a break as we near the crest of the ridge line.

Decades of weather and occasional area brush fires removed the red painted surface.

2009-11-12T00:02:36Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
Decades of weather and occasional area brush fires removed the red painted surface.

On November 9, 2009 Myself, Trey Brandt, and Steve Owen climbed Cuyapaipe Mountain and hiked south on the ridge line to investigate the crash site of Western Air Lines Flight 44. (Photo cour ...

2009-11-16T05:41:36Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
On November 9, 2009 Myself, Trey Brandt, and Steve Owen climbed Cuyapaipe Mountain and hiked south on the ridge line to investigate the crash site of Western Air Lines Flight 44. (Photo cour ...

The classic Piper Aircraft logo is still visible.

2009-11-12T00:08:25Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
The classic Piper Aircraft logo is still visible.

Further up the slope we located the Piper's door. The Piper Cherokee 140 has only one entry door and it was located on the right side of the aircraft. (Photo courtesy of Trey Brandt)

2009-11-12T00:02:36Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
Further up the slope we located the Piper's door. The Piper Cherokee 140 has only one entry door and it was located on the right side of the aircraft. (Photo courtesy of Trey Brandt)

An accident investigator examines the wreckage of Western Air Lines Flight 44. (Courtesy of Craig Fuller AAIR)

2009-11-15T15:00:55Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
An accident investigator examines the wreckage of Western Air Lines Flight 44. (Courtesy of Craig Fuller AAIR)

An engine and part of a wing lie in the foreground. This 1946 photo not only illustrates the extent of destruction, but also provides a before and after view of the site in comparison. (Cour ...

2009-11-15T16:57:32Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
An engine and part of a wing lie in the foreground. This 1946 photo not only illustrates the extent of destruction, but also provides a before and after view of the site in comparison. (Cour ...

The DC-3's tail section lies amid the boulders of Cuyapaipe Mountain. (Courtesy of Craig Fuller AAIR)

2009-11-15T15:00:55Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
The DC-3's tail section lies amid the boulders of Cuyapaipe Mountain. (Courtesy of Craig Fuller AAIR)

TWA Flight 2 was delayed by fog in St. Louis. This morning delay was the first of many that ultimately led to the change of the flight's original routing and it's night departure for Burbank ...

2009-10-03T16:02:27Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
TWA Flight 2 was delayed by fog in St. Louis. This morning delay was the first of many that ultimately led to the change of the flight's original routing and it's night departure for Burbank ...

This route map from the Civil Aeronautics Board's report on the accident has been modified to show the various routes. The green line depicts a 220 degree magnetic course from Boulder City ...

2009-10-03T16:26:02Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
This route map from the Civil Aeronautics Board's report on the accident has been modified to show the various routes. The green line depicts a 220 degree magnetic course from Boulder City ...

LOSTFLIGHTS' photo

2009-10-01T14:12:26Z

LOSTFLIGHTS

LOSTFLIGHTS' photo

2009-10-01T14:12:11Z

LOSTFLIGHTS

LOSTFLIGHTS' photo

2009-10-01T14:11:39Z

LOSTFLIGHTS

LOSTFLIGHTS' photo

2009-10-01T14:12:26Z

LOSTFLIGHTS

During the 1960s, the wreckage of WAL Flight 44 was marked by painted yellow "X"s to mark the site as a known crash site.

2009-11-15T15:00:55Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
During the 1960s, the wreckage of WAL Flight 44 was marked by painted yellow "X"s to mark the site as a known crash site.

LOSTFLIGHTS' photo

2009-09-27T09:15:14Z

LOSTFLIGHTS

LOSTFLIGHTS' photo

2009-09-27T09:46:51Z

LOSTFLIGHTS

A closer view of the crash scene taken on August 28, 2009.

2009-08-31T18:08:19Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
A closer view of the crash scene taken on August 28, 2009.

At the base of the cliff and directly below the impact point is a concentration of small wreckage fragments. Circled are what appears to be the nose wheel tire and a door from one of the w ...

2009-08-31T18:11:00Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
At the base of the cliff and directly below the impact point is a concentration of small wreckage fragments. Circled are what appears to be the nose wheel tire and a door from one of the w ...

Visible on the steep slope and not far from the main body of wreckage is a separated main landing gear with wheel and tire.

2009-08-31T18:02:05Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
Visible on the steep slope and not far from the main body of wreckage is a separated main landing gear with wheel and tire.

This aft section of the 310's fragmented fuselage displays the aircraft registration number "N7683Q". (END)

2009-08-31T18:09:07Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
This aft section of the 310's fragmented fuselage displays the aircraft registration number "N7683Q". (END)

LOSTFLIGHTS' photo

2009-07-05T07:19:26Z

LOSTFLIGHTS

LOSTFLIGHTS' photo

2009-07-05T07:19:22Z

LOSTFLIGHTS

LOSTFLIGHTS' photo

2009-07-05T07:19:26Z

LOSTFLIGHTS

LOSTFLIGHTS' photo

2009-07-05T07:19:26Z

LOSTFLIGHTS

LOSTFLIGHTS' photo

2009-07-05T07:19:26Z

LOSTFLIGHTS

LOSTFLIGHTS' photo

2009-07-05T07:19:22Z

LOSTFLIGHTS

LOSTFLIGHTS' photo

2009-07-05T07:19:14Z

LOSTFLIGHTS

LOSTFLIGHTS' photo

2009-06-24T12:37:07Z

LOSTFLIGHTS

LOSTFLIGHTS' photo

2009-06-24T12:37:07Z

LOSTFLIGHTS

LOSTFLIGHTS' photo

2009-06-24T12:37:07Z

LOSTFLIGHTS

LOSTFLIGHTS' photo

2009-06-24T12:37:07Z

LOSTFLIGHTS

LOSTFLIGHTS' photo

2009-06-24T10:47:24Z

LOSTFLIGHTS

The next morning, there was not much left of Mike Todd's plane "The Liz".

2009-06-21T09:46:17Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
The next morning, there was not much left of Mike Todd's plane "The Liz".

Another example of a crash cover from United Air Lines Flight 409 that crashed into Medicine Bow Peak in Wyoming. (LostFlights Collection)

2009-08-31T04:49:55Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
Another example of a crash cover from United Air Lines Flight 409 that crashed into Medicine Bow Peak in Wyoming. (LostFlights Collection)

The aircraft impacted relatively level terrain with a majority of the wreckage lying within a dry wash.

2009-06-11T23:05:38Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
The aircraft impacted relatively level terrain with a majority of the wreckage lying within a dry wash.

LOSTFLIGHTS' photo

2009-06-11T18:16:57Z

LOSTFLIGHTS

An unidentified passenger poses next to N3250Q during a stop at Grand Canyon Airport In September 1970.

2009-06-11T22:59:26Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
An unidentified passenger poses next to N3250Q during a stop at Grand Canyon Airport In September 1970.

The U.S. Postal Service ink stamp on the back of the cover that denotes the mail was recovered from the TWA Flight 3 accident site. (LostFlights Collection)

2009-08-31T04:49:55Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
The U.S. Postal Service ink stamp on the back of the cover that denotes the mail was recovered from the TWA Flight 3 accident site. (LostFlights Collection)

The above crash cover included a partially burned letter and the postal service delivery envelope known unofficially as an "Ambulance Cover" (LostFlights Collection)

2009-08-31T04:49:55Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
The above crash cover included a partially burned letter and the postal service delivery envelope known unofficially as an "Ambulance Cover" (LostFlights Collection)

This Flight 3 cover was discovered at an estate sale by Vicky Nelson of Santa Clarita, California and was recently acquired by LostFlights. Postmarked on the evening of January 15, 1942 ...

2009-08-31T04:49:55Z

LOSTFLIGHTS
This Flight 3 cover was discovered at an estate sale by Vicky Nelson of Santa Clarita, California and was recently acquired by LostFlights. Postmarked on the evening of January 15, 1942 ...

LOSTFLIGHTS' photo

2009-05-08T18:48:33Z

LOSTFLIGHTS

LOSTFLIGHTS' photo

2009-05-08T18:49:01Z

LOSTFLIGHTS

LOSTFLIGHTS' photo

2009-05-08T18:49:01Z

LOSTFLIGHTS