Wolfboro, New Hampshire – April 2, 1985

Updated November 26, 2024

     At 7 P.M. on April 2, 1985, two Massachusetts Air National Guard F-106 fighter jets took off from Otis Air Force base in Falmouth, Massachusetts, for a two-hour training flight over the Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire, region.   One aircraft, (#57-2521), was piloted by Colonel John Anderson Jr., and the other, (#57-2455), was piloted by Captain Paul G. Worcester. 

     The purpose of the flight was a night interceptor training mission.

     While both aircraft were flying at 30,0000 feet they accidentally collided in mid-air.  Captain Worcester was able to make it to Pease Air Force Base about fifty miles distant and land safely.  Colonel Anderson was forced to eject from his aircraft, and he landed safely.  Meanwhile, his jet fighter crashed in a wooded area about a half mile off Route 28 in the town of Wolfboro.  

     Both men were assigned to the 102d Fighter Interceptor Wing at Otis AFB.  

     Sources:

     Nashua Telegraph, “Fighter Jets Collide, One Crashes; Pilots Safe”, April 3, 1985.

     The Falmouth Enterprise, “Two Otis Delta darts Collide Over H. H.; None Are Injured”, April 3, 1985