North American F-100 (2x – Lake Ontario Aircraft Shipwreck (1968)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: North American F-100 Super Sabre (2x)
• Type: Aircraft
• Year Built:
• Builder:
• Dimensions:
• Registered Tonnage:
• Location: Lake Ontario, near Golden Hill State Park, NY, USA
• Coordinates: Not available
• Original Owners: United States Air Force (USAF), Air National Guard (ANG)

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The North American F-100 Super Sabre was the first of the USAF’s Century Series of jet fighters and the first fighter capable of supersonic speed in level flight. Known for its role as a fighter-bomber, the F-100 was extensively used during the Vietnam War. The aircraft involved in this incident were part of the Air National Guard (ANG) and were operated by the United States Air Force (USAF).

Description

On March 4, 1968, two F-100 Super Sabres were engaged in a routine training flight, taking off from Niagara Falls International Airport, New York. The flight involved a four-ship formation of F-100s, which was a common training exercise aimed at maintaining pilot proficiency in formation flying and combat maneuvers.

History

During the flight, the two F-100 aircraft collided mid-air while in formation over Lake Ontario, just two miles from Golden Hill State Park, New York. The collision caused both aircraft to lose control, leading them to crash into the icy waters of Lake Ontario. Both pilots were seen ejecting and parachuting into the lake, but their fate remains undocumented in the available sources. The aircraft were written off as a total loss.

Significant Incidents

• March 4, 1968: Two F-100 Super Sabres collided mid-air during a training flight.

Final Disposition

The precise location and condition of the wrecks have not been documented or discovered by official wreck-hunting groups. The fate of the pilots remains unknown as per the last reported information.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreckage of the two F-100 aircraft likely lies at the bottom of Lake Ontario, undisturbed since the crash in 1968. Due to the unknown location and condition, the site has not been explored or marked, and it remains inaccessible to the public. As military aircraft wrecks, they may be considered war graves and should be approached with respect.

Resources & Links

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Exploring the wrecks of the F-100 Super Sabres serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel. Shotline Diving encourages divers to respect these sites and to adhere to ethical practices, leaving only bubbles and taking only memories.