Artifacts

Piece of Metal from A-12

Artifact Details

Most A-12 test flights were short, averaging just barely an hour.

During a routine A-12 training flight on 5 January 1967, a fuel gauge failed to function properly, and the aircraft ran out of fuel only minutes before landing. The pilot, Walter Ray, ejected but was killed when he was unable to separate from the ejection seat before impact. The aircraft was completely destroyed. Its wreckage was found on 6 January, and Ray’s body was recovered a day later. This is a piece from that plane.

Artifact Specs

15 cm x 12.5 cm x 8 cm

(L x W x H)

Video

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