Hiking to the Extremely Remote and Unbelievably Rugged SA-16 Albatross Crash Site in Death Valley

[@adambomb8324]

Awesomesauce!! I have been binge watching your Death Valley videos- I lived for a short time in Shoshone back when their "museum" was called Leon's Rock Shop and I was friends at the time with his grandson David. Ben was the sheriff, judge, General store owner and mayor and the population was 200 at the time. We played in the gulch caves and collected desert rose and onyx for Leon for five cents a piece. Wow, how memories can be triggered from a random yt channel, 40 years ago seems like yesterday, thank you for your love and documented exploration of that beautiful place. 💌✌🇺🇸💣💥

[@CuriousG007]

AWESOME! And talk about memories. I was there back in 2004 as part of a contest from the same TEAM up in Canada. We collected clues in Canada and around Death Valley for over a week to figure out that the final destination was that place wreck. We did the exact same hike and won the $5K prize. I have a two part video of our adventure on my KZbin page.....but that was back in the time of crappy video cameras and small uploads LOL. Thanks for bringing back the memories!

[@RCB757]

On 24 January 1952, SA-16A Albatross, 51-001, c/n G-74,[66] of the 580th Air Resupply Squadron (described as a Central Intelligence Agency air unit), on cross-country flight from Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, to San Diego, California, suffered failure of the port engine over Death Valley. The crew of six successfully bailed out around 18:30 with no injuries, and walked south some 14 miles (23 km) to Furnace Creek, California, where they were picked up the following day by an SA-16 from the 42nd Air Rescue Squadron, March AFB, California. The abandoned SA-16 crashed into Towne Summit mountain ridge of the Panamint Range west of Stovepipe Wells with the starboard engine still running. The wreckage is still there.

[@debbiemitchell6055]

You went at the perfect time, no snow covering the wreckage, ground wasn't squishy wet from the snow melt. I love your adventures, and congratulations, on a job well done!

[@ShellyAnn1a]

Was stationed at NWC China Lake in the late 70's and had made a few trips into Death Valley. Never heard of this wreck site during my stay out there. We have several plane crash sites here in Oregon not far from my place in Central Oregon., including one that is in the top of a large Ponderosa Pine. Enjoyed this video and others that you have posted. It is great to see another woman out exploring the back country, I had to quit after my stroke in 2005. I hate being stuck in the house most of the time. - - - //es//An Avid Outdoors Woman, and Veteran.

[@lydiahalliday6532]

This was awesome! It's scary how after a plane crashes, the plane doesn't look as sturdy and safe as it does when it's in good condition.

[@1xsol]

That was awesome! I admire your abilities Wonder Hussy. The Albatross was an amphibious air/sea Rescue aircraft used all over the world and still very popular with Alaskan & Canadian Bush Pilots. I'm not sure about how it works in Nat'l. monuments; but else where, if you can get to it, it's like the law of the seas & salvageable. But I agree with you. Leave it there for others to enjoy. Thanks & Happy Trails...

[@skymiller530]

WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR! A nice adventure. A nice day. Accomplishing your objective. Getting some money for it. Being with yourself . . . someone like you. Thanks for sharing.

[@13liteman]

It looks like the seat belt thing you found the serial number on it was made in Grand Rapids, Mi., near my house. That makes your adventure even more exciting to me.

[@Justme85857]

Beautiful scenery, you are a Wonderful Hussy!

[@selbyorear5070]

Great, very informative video Wonderhussy! I could almost feel how cold it was by your sniffling! You are really doing some great work. So enjoyable for us old folks (79) ,however it's 79* today by our pool in Florida. We love you Wonderhussy.

[@I_Am_Michael]

this is your best video so far, in my humble opinion. thanks for letting us see it and taking us along. you rock dudette.

[@FireInvest5280]

US AIR FORCE SA-16 Albatross - Tail number 51-001, was abandoned by the crew (bailout) when one engine failed while over Death Valley. The airplane continued until impacting a steep slope west of Towne Peak in the Panamint Range. On route from Mountain Home, ID to San Diego, CA,

[@vickicopp]

I think you and your sister earned every penny. What a couple of troopers!

[@TheRocketbob22]

I would not dare to try and hide from these two sisters. The Dynamic Duo. Great vid Sara!!!

[@kirkmatteson5829]

Dad used to take brothers and I us up there in the 60s and 70s, last up there with my new wife in 86, stayed at the sand dunes in our camper. Like Scotties Castle and devils lake and the 20 mule teem museum. Thank you for the video, brings back a lot of good memories

[@Lori_b36]

Thank you for taking us with you. 😊👍

[@joannahuskey6425]

Great video. I just discovered your channel a few days ago. I spent 20 years in San Diego and did a lot of hiking. I love your off the beaten path adventures.

[@stang89617]

You ladies did awesome!! That hike paid very well..interesting video,Thanks.

[@ricfly52]

My wife and I had our honeymoon in Death Valley. It was our third time around so we thought it as the thing to do. We fell in love with the place and go there at least every two years.

[@Allen-in6de]

Wow what a amazing hike. I plan on spending some time in Death Valley on my visit next month. I live in N.J I was amazed by the wide open space and the overall calm and the sound of nothing I never knew silence had it's own vibe. Simply amazing

[@DFDuck55]

I would have checked the engine for a serial number. The last time I was in Death Valley was late 1950s or early 1960s. The most memorable thing to me from that trip was meeting an old prospector with a donkey named Happy.

[@Wonderhussy]

awwwww sounds fun!

[@james5646]

Duck Landes m

[@jeffreyadams8435]

HAPPY GO LUCKY

[@leescott2069]

Probably long gone now ....it went from happy to sad..

[@SCSlimBoiseID]

Yup. That old radial engine would have had serialized parts, possibly on the jugs somewhere. Glad everyone made it out!

[@jvatell6111]

Another GREAT Wonderhussy adventure! Not too many people can say they have done that... but I knew you wouldn't fail :). I am surprised though that your boots didn't bother you in that rocky terrain.

[@BeyondTheCompass817]

That was pure adventure! How that plane hasn't slid down the mountain after all these years is a mystery to me, but by far this is one of my favorite videos of yours! :)

[@bcbconklin]

well done, Hussy. When in Korea I had mentioned to one of my English classes that their term for "hello" sounded like shouting a greeting to a woman of dubious character: "an young hussy yo!"

[@conradheinlein5509]

When you are trying to find out what a part is compare it with an aircraft parts list for the specific aircraft such as that Albatross. In that way you can apart the difference between an engine mechanical timing gear and a propeller transmission gear. Thanks for another wonderhussyful episode.

[@philipcobbin4556]

Aircraft generally have a data plate on the tail also engine parts like crankcase magnetos etc will have a serial number.

[@highdesertworkshop]

Great video as always, Death Valley is one of my favorite winter destinations.

[@TvshkaHumma]

lol, your sister was like F* all that youtube mess!. I used to take long hikes like that and I loved doing it, but that was all before I became a paraplegic, but I especially enjoyed living vicariously through your video as I really love death valley! there is literally nothing as gorgeous and humbling as the stars in the night sky in death valley.

[@garycooper7666]

The scenery is fantastic some really great views of the mountains and the valley. I really enjoyed this video

[@themitchell1972]

Thank you Wonderhussy for another great video. Well done on your mission. X

[@tabascokid3472]

Keep it up,your having more fun than 99% of the rest of us glued to our smart phones and living in giant city's. Living in Alaska I learned about visiting plane crashes as part of hikes in the tundra where it is a comments sight unfortunately.

[@joerowland607]

Tabasco Kid ah speak for yourself I ve had plenty of adventures even been nose to nose with a 5 or 6 hundred pound blackbear and walked away without a scratch albeit I quickly had to find a place nature was a calling

[@shaftermike]

Excellent video wonderhussy! That container you found at the top of the peak is a summit register. You'll find them on almost every notable high peak in California and lots of other states. Kind of a tradition to enter your name, date and anything you want to say...

[@Wonderhussy]

I did :-)

[@dananelson3534]

Glad you found the number and were able to get the money. Thanks for sharing.

[@bltc11]

You make some great and interesting videos. I’ve shared a few of them on Facebook. We want to check out the Albatross site and many other things in the area but first we have to drive about 1500 miles. Thanks and have a good one!

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

WOW!! Now that's my kind of day hike! great use of technology to create route,,basic map and compass gone wild. Have been around geo-cash finds but didn't /don't know about anybody with your described payout,,good for you, that's a pretty awesome paycheck for a day of true living.The trail magic boxes are sometimes pretty cool also,reading comments from other adventurers from all over the globe...thanks for sharing...stay safe and God Bless...

[@Texasishot105]

Awesome video Wonderhussy!!! Rock on with your bad self!

[@dblock2626]

been to death valley when i was a kid! love those places in america. ive lived in canada my whole life but travelled america in the early 00's

[@russlea6383]

One slang term for an albatross is an obstacle to success, but as always, you two conquered the challenge. 👍👍

[@mlminwilm]

I've enjoyed many of your videos, but this one is my favorite one to date

[@hgwman]

Enjoyed the video. Great trip! Just to confirm what others said earlier, that number you found on the vertical stabiliser at 22:04 was the serial number you was looking for. Well done!

[@connieatkins7390]

Catching up on your videos on this hot summer day. Excellent video

[@raymondharding8443]

You genually rock girl! I hiked Death Valley in 1985 and took home (to BC Canada) a rock as a momento.

[@michaelh465]

Looks like an old radial engine. The cylinders are arranged in a circle around the center crankshaft. Great video!

[@tubehound8]

Wonder Hussey hard work and determination pays off.

[@marty01957]

Great video and adventure , Sarah Jane!

[@James-pz2bd]

i really enjoyed this one a plane crash site most interesting. I loved the DV outback spots, when I visited there several times. One spot I really hoped to see was the mansion hiding place up Goler Wash, where charlie and friends were apprehended. i also fondly recall the sand dunes in Eureka Valley as a great place to camp. Enjoy your travels and I hope you make many more videos for us to watch and enjoy.

[@JessicaTG2008]

With my luck, I would hike all that way and come back with a VIN number to a 53 Desoto. Virtually every major component on an aircraft has a stamped or molded number on it for part identification and for identifying a craft that has been in a crash. When a part is installed on a plane from the day it was built or changed out all thru its life, these numbers are recorded in its life history. This also helps investigators if a particular part was responsible for the crash and traces it back to the very time in was manufactured and by who. Big brother is watching you all the time.

[@corvettejay7391]

what a great hike with a cool wreckage to check out

[@JDR1971]

Awesome views of the Panamint and Argus ranges!

[@Wonderhussy]

+JD .Rios so beautiful up there!

[@JDR1971]

Yes it is, spent New Years out there camping at the base of Surprise Canyon. Explored a bunch of abandoned mines in the Argus range, snow wheeling in Pleasant canyon, Skidoo, Aguereberry point, charcoal kilns in the snow, driving the post apocalyptic Trona Wildrose Road, good times. One of my very favorite places!

[@ceramic49]

That was a nice little tromp!!! Cool wreckage!!! That engine is called a radial engine and it would have, somewhere, a serial # on it too. That particular plane was amphibious and was sometimes referred to as a flying boat. It's primary function was for search and rescue missions. Great video!!!

[@lilorbielilorbie2496]

GW Hunter i saw show about how they built those "flying boats" on tv a few years ago. they needed a way to see if they where water tight. they said it would take a huge tank to fit the plane into. so somebody said why don,t we just stick in a water hose and fill it to the water line and see if it leaks. i would say that guy was very smart.

[@ceramic49]

lilorbie lilorbie ~ I love those kind of shows!!!

[@lilorbielilorbie2496]

GW Hunter when you said "flying boat" i thought you where talking about the PBY -Catalina. they where also called flying boats. they where the one that i saw on the tv show. still pretty cool though.

[@ceramic49]

lilorbie lilorbie ~ Yeah, anything that flew off the water pretty much got dubbed a flying boat including Howard Hughes' Spruce Goose. The PBY, as I'm sure you know, played a very important role in WWII. I love that plane too!!! Heck, I love all planes!!! LOL!! My all time favorite, however, is not a flying boat; it's the Vought F4U Corsair.

[@lilorbielilorbie2496]

GW Hunter i was born and raised in Orange County California. my Dad worked for a company in Long Beach that was right across the channel from where the Spruce Goose was stored in a building . if you where to fly over the Goose and looked down the building was not a square it was in the shape of a cross. when they moved the Goose to Long Beach by the Queen Mary they used a German crane that they had captured from WW2. the crane was self propelled it did not need a tug boat to move it.it,s nick name was Herman the German. the U.S. Navy called it the Titan Y-D71.i got to go on it when i worked in the Navy base.you can Google it .it is a way cool piece of machinery. there where 4 of those cranes one was blown up in a bombing raid the English tried to tow one across the English Channel Epic Fail it sunk the Russians got one that has not been seen since the end of WW2,and the U.S.got one.

[@davidburroughs7068]

Totally engrossed in this. I was last in death valley about 1970 for two weeks over Christmas, and i was about 10. Shared on my Facebook.

[@PRTEVYBMW]

This one was Great Fun! Thanks S.J. Cheers;)

[@tmsala59]

Sorry for watching your older vids! I'm a little busy. You have some great vids I do plan on watching! So my comments will be a little out dated. You're amazing! All your cool adventures. Congrats on the prize money! Glad you did it! I'm sure you've heard this before. Please invest in some hiking boots. If you haven't already. I wouldn't want you to get hurt! Safe adventures to you! God Speed!

[@DavidParker73]

Usually on a plane that old the serial number was 4 digits, often used as the pilot's call sign.

[@dblock2626]

0:39 Pause. Thank you!! i love videos like this even more then just exploration

[@Wonderhussy]

+dblock2626 glad you enjoyed!!

[@rodhoskin8238]

Cool story/account. I live in Twin Falls , Idaho about an hour from Mountain Home. Good to see you got the money after all the work you did. Like Duck Landes said, the engine would have made a good gues. Maybe where the pilots seat was,the cockpit, would have been good too. Love your adventures. So many of them are so close to where I live and resembles around Twin a lot.

[@Paul.Douglas]

OK, I just about flipped out when you found the ARN-14 designation!!! I'm old enough to have worked on that system when I was a young airman in the Air Force. Scout's honor! It was still in service. We had those on our C-130's. AN/ARN-14 is a radio navigation system nomenclature. You found the antenna for that, obviously. That antenna would have a serial number as well, but hard to get to! I would guess the radio itself is long gone. It would definitely have had your serial number. Freakin' awesome video there, lady! If you're curious enough, you can also get to the YB-49 crash site. There are still some pieces there. Edwards Air Force Base is named after the pilot.

[@johngallagher2313]

Great adventure! Enjoyed this one a lot.

[@h7oslo]

Great hike and thanks for posting the video for us to watch ! rc

[@mobiltec]

WOW! Nice work sweetie. People tell me to go take a hike all the time but they have never offered me any money for it. LOL...

[@gailbutler483]

Ha ha, me too!

[@sherrychastain2920]

Love your content and presentation, keep up your Great work...I can no longer go where you can!

[@Whymcycle]

Also and alas, that Albatross was brand new, delivered to the USAF on 9/12/51, barely four months before it crashed. See the list here plane #51-001 (G-74) www.hu-16.com/current.htm. We own the flight deck to #G-404, delivered 9-16-55 to the US Navy. It will be mounted on a roadworthy chassis as an Albatross R/V to be used on the highways.

[@jamesstepp9982]

There would be an engine ID number somewhere on the engine you found. That little rusted "wheel" you found right after the engine is a fan for the interior heater.

[@Toysoldier227mp]

51-001 was the registration # for the plane. Just about every part will have it’s own serial number. The aircraft s/n would have been on a plate in cockpit and several other places like the doorway.

[@randywestfall1679]

W.H. the number is on the tail, starts with two digits then a dash and series of digits after that. Also there will be a data plate in the cockpit that will have the reg number. The engines will have the engine number stamped on the main crankcase area. At 18:11 you put the camera right on the vertical tail fin and I could almost make out the tail number. The amazing part is the condition of the flight control cables and the condition of the electrical wiring. That seat belt reel was the forerunner to the locking seat belts on your car. That number you located on the vertical tail fin looked more like 10D1 to me. That plane crashed in route from the Lockheed plant in California to Area 51.

[@misskitty999]

Those views are spectacular!

[@human1time]

I flew professionally, when I was young, so I still hold a commercial pilot license. Doesn't sound like you need any advice though. Congrats! You did well. The intact tail section is composed of a vertical stabilizer (to which the rudder attaches) and the horizontal stabilizer ( to which the elevator attached). Great video. Ahh to be young again.

[@robertgrey5993]

It’s hard to think of snow and freezing fingers in Death Valley.

[@gbh263]

If thats what kind of plane I think it is , I flew on an albatross plane to Catalina Island many years ago, It can take off and land in the water. Very cool !

[@robbleeker4777]

The Grumman HU-16 Albatross is a large twin-radial engine amphibious flying boat that was used by the United States Air Force, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard, primarily as a search and rescue aircraft.

[@arthermannjr2370]

Wish I could physically hike some of the places you have been to. Love you and your videos.

[@Rockthrowingbudhist]

It looks like people and nature have stripped off quite a bit of metal since I visited c.1997. Nice vid. I never knew the story behind the crash.

[@starwoodstudios1]

Hey Wonder! There is a plane crash in the White mountains near off Hwy 6. It was a movie crew filming in Mammoth Lakes in the 70's. It took off from Bishop with 19 or 20 people making a right downwind departure headed back to LA. They were partying and the pilot was not paying attention and slammed into the top of the mountain in the turn. Check it out...I like your videos.

[@python357magnum100]

For future reference all engine parts have serial numbers on them. Great video !

[@Katseye102]

You must be so amped! Go get that money! Great video, one of your best!

[@Raydawg]

I have not been to death valley, but it is on my to do list. Very cool site

[@appleguy1986]

Great Job! So glad to hear that you got paid, good for you and your sister.

[@stewartcaldwell5299]

I was yelling "Look for little metal tags !! "" I thought I saw one on the tail, but I'd bet on engine parts.

[@carydbman]

Great video! Will your treasure hunt friends bid on a seriel number for the Carole Lombard crash site? That wreck is still there from 1955. Do it anyway, it would be a great video. Get footage of the hotel where Clark Gable stayed too.

[@Wonderhussy]

I definitely plan to do this! The guy at the Pioneer Saloon said he'd pay $5k for one of the engines

[@tammysmith3560]

GOTHIC CHILD Thought the same thing. I was afraid the plane was going to shift.

[@jamesrollins5893]

hi, the "1001" number is the A/C Squadron aircraft number, the At-4/ARN-1 number is the antenna system for a Navigational Transceiver. Nice job on your quest, been to Death Valley I love desert.

[@Wonderhussy]

wow, thanks for the info! Glad you enjoyed!

[@allenarneson4349]

Wonderhussy did you ever get your money for the serial number of this plane crash? Actual serial number was 51-001. You should have. Here's a copy of the report from Wikipedia Quote - "On 24 January 1952, SA-16A Albatross, 51-001, c/n G-74,[36] of the 580th Air Resupply Squadron (described as a Central Intelligence Agency air unit), on cross-country flight from Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, to San Diego, California, suffered failure of the port engine over Death Valley. The crew of six successfully bailed out at ~18:30 with no injuries, walked south some 14 miles (23 km) to Furnace Creek, California where they were picked up the following day by an SA-16 from the 42nd Air Rescue Squadron, March AFB, California. The abandoned SA-16 crashed into Towne Summit mountain ridge of the Panamint Range west of Stovepipe Wells with the starboard engine still running. The wreckage is still there." End quote.

[@kenbritton6782]

Good adventure ! Love it.

[@bobjackson4720]

You are such an impressive lady, keep it up.

[@jeffreyadams8435]

KEEPIN IT UP

[@karimemalmros5649]

SIMP!!!!

[@kanuckbrewero6118]

the airplane manufacturers S/N might be a small 2x4 inch brass plate fastened somewhere around a door frame. there are probably s/n on engines and assorted off company parts like the seat you found. That was a good long hike for sure.

[@keno50g]

Love your videos. I was in Death Valley in October 2014 and I was in awe. One day I will return. PS. I am also a British Columbian Kook.

[@Wonderhussy]

yay!!! kooks unite!!!!!

[@truckerdaddy-akajohninqueb4793]

​@@Wonderhussy Québec kook here 👍🇨🇦👍

[@burgesskj]

The 'serial number' you may have been looking for, and how all planes are identified is the "Tail number". It was big and faded, and probably the first thing you saw.

[@godngunclinger]

I looked and looked and looked and found it and YOU ARE THE MOST MANLY BABE I'VE EVER SEEN WOW THAT WAS A CRAZY HIKE !!! 36°24'36.14"N 117°19'26.31"W

[@hodge1970ify]

thanks for the Trip you are so fun!

[@Urz75z]

Thank you for this adventure,will have to put on my to do list,you must be like the energizer bunny,hot too. Keep on venturring on.

[@donnyho]

Haha, nice JT's Fire and Ice reference at 15:40 So Fun!!

[@Wonderhussy]

+Kicking Up Dirt (Don-Don Guianan) glad u got that!

[@thomass3769]

I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain

[@sunset986S]

Congratulations on finding the plane and making some scavenger money in the process!

[@Wonderhussy]

+Heidi Yay!!!

[@CmtePauloFragoso]

To anyone curious why there's a slinky inside an USAF airplane. What appears to be a slinky, is the inner wire of the vent tube. The fabric rot and only the wire is left. www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/thermoid-ad-sceet.php

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

THANK YOU for posting this. I have worked in aviation, yet I did not realize what that _Slinky_ was at first. When I read your post, it hit me immediately. I have worked with that ducting material before, but _never_ saw any after it had completely rotted away to just the metal wire.

[@leonidaslantz5249]

Crazy cool video! Glad you found a serial number and knowing the USAF personnel enjoyed a slinky! #causethecoldwarcantstopfun

[@williamwing196]

Your funny. Helps me relax before sleep 💤 . Thank you 🙏

[@veryunclear]

I'm glad you made it back before dark, when the desert critters come out. :)

[@Jake0007]

Sure is a serious treasure hunt. Awesome that they reached out to you for this. Likely they'll call upon you again in the future. Happy you didn't do this solo.

[@CanisLatrans]

So, looks like you found some geocache sites. Cool! I had an ex-girlfriend who was into that; she took me on a couple of geocache adventures but it didn't seem as interesting to me-- turned the hike into a puzzle to be solved instead of just enjoying the adventure, IMO. But I can see how it would be a fun challenge for those so inclined.

[@jclauri100]

Great job, girl ! You rock ☺

[@paulw1824]

You are in great shape ! I guess it’s all the walking and soaking in those numerous hot springs on your trips . Why doesn’t your sister ever join you on camera ? Happy Hiking !!!

[@mikespikedog5293]

wonder hussy you ladies are tuffer than I am to be able to hike up them big mountians. Beautiful View. Love all the amazing historic video's. Hope you ladies made some money out of all the hard work you done to get there. Good Job !!