*** 939th Rescue Wing 304 Squadron Hercules Crash *** Subject: 939th Rescue Wing 304th (Portland) ARRS Tragedies Date: Sat, 23 Nov 1996 11:03:59 -0800 (PST) From: JK Martin To: sar-l@islandnet.com The "Stateman-Journal," in the Saturday, November 23, 1996, edition is reporting that a USAF C130 Hercules transport from the 939th Rescue Wing 304 Aerospace Rescue Recovery Squadron, Portland, Or., has crashed off of the California coast with 11 souls on board. One survivor (Critical at Mad River Community Hospital, Arcata, CA) rescued by USCG resources, bodies and body parts also seen in darkness last night. Some liferafts spotted, one empty and unknown if occupants in the others. the paper says that there was report of engine and electrical trouble from crew. J K Martin Marion County SAR Salem, OR Subject: Re: 939th Rescue Wing 304th (Portland) ARRS Tragedies Date: Sat, 23 Nov 1996 11:17:20 -0800 (PST) From: David Kovar To: sar-l@islandnet.com According to the San Jose Mercury News, the plane was carrying 11 AF reservists on a routine navigational training mission. It was en route from the Portland Air Base to North Island Naval Air Station near San Diego. Air traffic control in Seattle lost contact around 7:30PM last night. The Coast Guard station in Eureka received a Mayday call at that time and dispatched a cutter, three helicopters, and a C-130 to a point more than 40 miles off of Cape Mendocino, homing in on the plane's emergency transponder. -David