On Jan. 25, 1968, a Hurlburt Field-based C-123K Provider crashed during a training mission at Duke Field.
Following a series of touch-and-go landing maneuvers, the crew completed a circuit at low altitude to start a new approach. The aircraft was in a landing pattern when it suddenly stalled as it approached the runway.
It is believed that the approach speed was too low and the distance between the aircraft and the ground was insufficient for a recovery. The plane never came out of the turn and crashed about a half-mile short of the runway threshold. The airplane was destroyed and all four crew members were killed.
The men killed in the crash were identified as Maj. Donald R. Tomlinson, SSgt. James H. Jefferies, Lt. Francis G. Guidry, and Lt. Stanley R. Armstrong.
The crash site is located on the Eglin Air Force Base Reservation. The battered wings, tail section, and other small debris are still present at the crash site.
To access the site, you must purchase a recreation permit from the Eglin AFB Natural Resources Branch (Jackson Guard Office), located at 107 Highway 85 North in Niceville. Permits are $5 daily or $20 annually.
Through the Lens is a photo essay series from WUWF Public Media.
Abandoned Northwest Florida is a photo series that explores forgotten places. Do you know of an abandoned location that should be featured? Email Hunter Morrison at hunter@wuwf.org to let him know.
