ACCIDENT, DUTCH 125

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 0005632346
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 7
• Document Creation Date: June 24, 2015
• Document Release Date: April 1, 2011
• Case Number: F-2010-01942
• Publication Date: January 12, 1967

APPROVED FOR RELEASED
DATE: 03-21-2011
12 January 1967
M 1ORANDUM FOR: Chief! Security Staff, Station D
FROM : Deputy Chief, Security Staff
SUBJECT : Accident, Dutch 125
1. On 5 January 1967 at 1555 hours the Security Office was
notified via the secondary emergency net that Dutch 125, piloted
by Mr. Walter L. Ray, had declared a routine emergency due to
low fuel reserve. At 1601 hours the Command Post informed the
emergency net that Mr. Ray had ejected and Dutch s down
in the area of Caliente, Nevada. At this time
immediately left for the Command post and the undersigned notified
four security guards to standby for any rescue operation.
2. At approximately 1620 hour called and requested
that three guards and one shift captain be prepared to move out
with him on a search and rescue operation. Two four wheel drive
crew cabs equipped with extra gasoline, water, spare tires and
emergency radio communications were provided. Extra food was
ordered from the mess hall. The personnel departing were equipped
with such cold weather gear as thermal underwear, parkas, gloves,
boots, hats and sleeping bags. It was anticipated that the
temperature in the area would be from oo to 100 above. All of
this gear was ready for issue from standby emergency recovery
kits specs a ed for the Security Office. At approximately
1715 hours and guards departed for the crash area.
3. At approximately 1800 hours Chief,
Security Staff, OSA was contacted at his home and apprised of the
situation and what steps were being taken. He advised that we
should keep him advised of the situation and that we should call
the office as he would have personnel on duty during the night.
4. At approximately 1830 hours Col Richard Dayton, 00 903rd
Aerial Refueling Squadron, Beale AFB, was contacted at his hone,
informed of the situation and requested he initiate a holddown
on any discussion. We were particularly interested in Lt Col.
Thomas crew in that they possibly heard Dutch 125's conversation
on SSB. Col Dayton assured us he would take action immediately.
5. Steps were taken at this time to get together records
etc., such as next of kin, and addresses to be prepared for any
(b)(3)
 eventuality. At 2300 hours it was learned that the security team
had reached the area and were establishing an area of operations
for the search. -At this time there had been no report of the
location of Dutch 125, only the general locale where it went down.
6. On 6 January 1967, early morning, there was still no
report as to the location of either Dutch 125 or the pilot, Mr.
Ray. At this time steps were taken to brief contractor personnel
on all departing aircraft, i.e. Connies and F-27 as to the security
hoiddown on any discussion of the crash. This was accomplished
during the day as aircraft departed. At 0641 hours a UHIF
Helicopter, #657963 from Indian Springs AFB, Nevada arrived in
the area to assist with search operations. The crew was given
an on the spot Redlight briefing by the Deputy Security Officer
and signed a memorandum of understanding.
7. At approximately 1000 hours Lt Col Barrett, DCO contacted
the undersigned and stated he was proceeding to Nellie AFB where
he was to contact a Major Rhodes, CO of the Air Sea Rescue Squadron
from Hamilton AFB, California. Major Rhodes was to coordinate
the search procedures. Col Barrett stated he wanted a senior
security officer to accompany him, not to brief Major Rhodes but
to impress on him the security aspects of the search. Col
Barrett also added he would probably be at Nellie for several
hours. I informed him that I was the only one available and felt
I should not leave during this critical time. I then informed
him that I would contact Mr. William O'Donnell, SAC of the OSI
office at Nellie. I added that Mr. O'Donnell was 0-3 cleared
and briefed and felt he would lend more evidence to the security
cover for the search than a regular AF civilian. Col Barrett
agreed and I contacted Mr. O'Donnell, explained the situation and
he stated not-to worry he would take care of it.. Col Barrett
later stated that Mr. O'Donnell had handled the matter very well.
8. At approximately 1015 hours word was received from
Headquarters that a news release would be made by USAF to the
effect that an SR-71 was missing and persumed down in Nevada
Northeast of Las Vegas. That the aircraft was from Edwards AFB
on a routine test flight and the pilot was missing. It was
reported later that a local Las Vegas radio station had madea
news broadcast at 1100 hours during which they gave the news
release. It was'as stated except the aircraft was attributed to
Beale AFB.'
9. At 1525 hours the wreckage of Dutch 125 was sighted,, by
a helicopter in the search fleet. The information was relayed
to the Security/Medic team in the area. This information was
relayed to Headquarters along with the fact that there. was no
evidence of the pilot or seat on a fast look at the area. The
crash scene was noted as being approximately 5 miles northwest of
Leith, Nevada. Reports from the crash site indicated that the
aircraft was demolished and spread in small pieces over a large
area. Word received from the security rescue team verified that
the pilot was still missing. A base camp would be set up at the
 crash site and the search for the pilot would continue.
10. During the evening of 6 January 1967 I assisted Mr.
eputy/DCS with making plans for vehicles and
supplies to go out early the next morning to the crash site.
Arrangements were also made to' have off-duty guard personnel
standing by in the event they were needed in the morning.
11. On 7 January 1967 the undersigned. briefed the first
group to leave for the crash site at 0400 hours. The second
and third groups were briefed as they departed later. In the
briefing it was stressed just what the news release had stated.
That the aircraft was an SR-71 from Edwards AFB. Contractor
personnel were, if pressed, state they were from Edwards AFB,
also if they stayed in a motel they would upon registering list
their employer as LAC or PW. They were also informed to list
their home addresses as California. Military and Staff personnel
residing in the Las Vegas area were briefed that if they were
recognized by a local person or pressed for an answer they
simply answered they as AF personnel were assisting Nellis AFB
in the search and recovery operation.
12. During the morning guard schedules were revised in
order to have coverage at the Base and personnel on standby
for any eventuality. We were also informed by Headquarters that
a news release would be made from USAF at 1700 hours local time
giving the name of the missing pilot.
13. At approximately 1400 hours word was received from Col
Slater, Station CO that he wished to put more personnel into the
search area and would like some assistance from Security. We
immediately arranged for four guards and Mr. Robert Bennett to
draw gear and prepare to move to the search area. They departed
the area at 1450 hours.
14. At 1500 hours word was received from the CP that the
body of the pilot had been sighted on a 6,000 foot peak approximately
seven and one half miles from the aircraft impact area. A
helicopter had arrived at the scene and reported that the pilot
was dead. It had been decided earlier in the day if the pilot
was found and injured he would immediately be taken to Nellis
AFB by helicopter; however, if the pilot was dead he would not
be disturbed until the coroner arrived. The death occurred in
Lincoln County but the coroner could not be located so it was
agreed to remove the body to Nellis AFB Hospital by helicopter.
Dr. bake, Flight Surgeon, left immediately for Nellis Base
Hospital via the Cessna 210 to await the arrival of the body.
Security representative was contacted and
informed of current events. He was requested to meet Dr. Dake
 at the hospital, retrieve the pilots pressure suit and have it
returned to the Area next day. During the course of my con-
versation wit it was suggested that Mr. O'Donnell
accompany him to preclude any question of his
gbtaining the suit.
15. At approximately 1700 hours Dr..Dake called from the
office of Lt Col James H. Stuteville- CO Nellis Base Hospital,
-0-3. He stated that Col Stuteville had contacted the Lincoln
County,Coroner and explained that while the body was found in
Lincoln Co., it was on a 6,000 foot peak, daylight was nearly
gone and the helicopter low on fuel therefore they had ordered
it picked up. The Lincoln Co. coroner stated not to worry about
that frankly he was glad he had not been involved and he would
contact the Clark County Coroner to transfer jurisdiction to
him. (As you know from previous experience the Lincoln Co.
Coroner is elective and the present coroner is not a medical
man).. At this point Dr. Dake wanted to know if it was alright
to use the pilots true name. He was informed that it was
alright. His name was to be released to the newspapers at 1700
hours. (We had been informed by Hqs that a relative of Mr. Ray
had released his name to a Palmdale newspaper at 1300 hours this
date.)
16. At this time Dr. Dake stated that he would like to
have an autopsy performed. At this point I did not feel this was
as much a security matter as an administrative decision due to
the fact it would involve an expenditure. I contacted Mr.
Acting DCS who said to go ahead with the autopsy.
Dr. Dak_e was informed and he stated the autopsy would be performed
by a Dr. Greyson, retired AF Surgeon who was also a consultant
on the AF Board of Pathology. It should be noted at this time
that from this point on most actions were either security
matters with a in overtones or vice versa, and all during this
time and I worked closely together in nearly all matters.
17. After talking to Dr. Dake we were informed it would be
necessary to obtain Mrs. Ray's signed approval before proceeding
with the autopsy. Col Slater and Dr. Barran, LAC Medical Officer
discussed the matter and decided she would not be asked to sign
until the next day as she was upset enough at this time. It was
agreed that Dr. Barran would obtain the release next morning, send
a telegram to who delivered it to Palm Mortuary
where the autopsy would be held.
18. At this point the undersigned proceeded to PE where in
the presence of SMSgt Clem Francis the personal clothing of Mr.
Ray were placed-in a locked box, sealed with a notation that it
would be opened only by the Deputy Security Officer and the keys
were retained. The box was removed to the Security Office and
steps were taken to seal Mr. Ray's room in House 5. A complete
inventory will be made of all Mr. Ray's personal effects and
equipment.
 19. Just as a point of interest, when it was announced that the
body had been found the dispatcher was asked to keep track of the
number.of telephone calls in and out of the office. For the period
of 1500-1800 hours we had a total of 274 calls in and out.
20. Cn 8 January 1967.at 0645 hours the .Cessna 210 piloted by
Dr. Dake arrived in the area, had placed the pressure
suit aboard. This was retrieved and brought to PE for inspection by
the. Investigation Team from Norton AFB. At 0945 hours
called and stated he had received the telegram authorizing the
autopsy and was delivering it to the Palm Mortuary.
21. At approximately 1600 hours a call was received from Dr.
Dake reporting that the autopsy was completed and who was going to
Greyson. Frankly I was at a loss for words. Immediately=
was contacted and it was agreed the Base would pay Dr. Greyson.
We instructed Dr. Dake not to say this to Dr. Greyson but simply
inform him someone would be in contact with him the next day. He
was to impress on Dr. Greyson that Mr. Ray was a civilian and that
his company would arrange payment, not the Air Force. He agreed to
do this then asked when we were going to notify Palm Mortuary of
funeral arrangements. Knowing nothing about them he was informed
not to worry that we would take care of it.
22. After talking to Dr. Dake I calle in
L.A. to see if he knew of any arrangements for the funeral. I was
informed by was at Ken Collins house. A call
was placed person to erson to at Ken's house. Ken
answered, and said iad left. I then asked to speak to Ken. He
was informed the autopsy was over and was asked if he knew anthing.
about the funeral arrangements. He expressed surprised that the
autopsy was finished as Dr. Barran had informed him it would not be
completed before noon the next day. This not being the case he stated
that a Mr. William Ray (no relation to Walt) who was a very close
friend of Walt's knew Mr. Knause, Director of the Palm Mortuary. He
would arrive in LA at 2230 hours that night and would then contact Mr.
Knauss with the arrangements. Ken did say that the funeral was
scheduled for Tuesday 10 January 1967 at a church in Palmdale, Calif.
23.I was contacted and requested to contact Palm
Mortuary and explain that Mr. Ray would be in contact with Mr. Knause
either tonight or first thing in the morning. He was also requested
to contact Dr. Greyson in the morning.. He would explain that he was
acting for Mr. Ray's com an and if he would send the bill to him he
would see it was paid. stated he would do this and let
me know the results.
224. At approximately 2230 hours a call was received from Mr.
who stated he had information that the AF was in the act as
far as arrangements for Mr. Ray's funeral were concerned. Even to the
extent that they had picked out the casket. Col Slater was contacted
 and he requested that Palm Mortuary be contacted to see what was
going on. He further stated that the AF should-be keeping completely
out of it. A Mr. Forte was contacted at Palm Mortuary. He stated
he knew of no arrangements being made for Mr. Ray. A call was
placed to Major Pearson, Mortuary Officer for Nellis AFB. He stated
that no arrangements were being made by Nellis.' He realized that Mr.
Raga was a civilian. He did offer a possible explanation. After the
autopsy was completed Nellis had been contacted by Palm as to disposition
of the body. They were informed at this time that Mr. Ray was a
civilian who had simply been picked up by an AF helicopter and
processed through the Hells Hospital before being sent to Palm.
was contacted and the situation was explained to him.
25. On 9 January 1967 the search centered around finding Dutch
125's canopy. It was hoped that the two instrument cameras attached
to the canopy could be found and much needed information obtained for
the Investigation Team... A. group of ground searchers was being
organized and Security was...asked to-assist. At this point I informed
the CP that due to the long hours and extra commitments over the
weekend, there were just barely enough to cover the regular shift.
They were informed that we would have men available the next day.
26. At approximately 0930 a call was received from
who stated he had been informed that the Clark County Coroner had
refused to release the body. I couldn't erstand where this
information was coming from and stated that Mr. William
Ray had been informed by Mr. Knause o the Palm Mortuary. A call was
placed to Palm Mortuary where a Mr. Bailey was contacted. In this
case the explanation was that Dr. Greyson had completed the autopsy
Sunday afternoon, therefore he had not been able to get the death
certificate to the coroner. The certificate was now in the coroner's
hand, Mr. Ray was all prepared, they were gassing the hearse and planned
to be on the way to Palmdale within the hour. This information was
relayed to
27. At 1300 hours Col Slater convened a staff meeting regarding
attendance at the funeral. Col slater requested that
be contacted to send flowers. A discussion was held regarding a
card and it was agreed that it would not bear Col Slater's name or the
Squadron number. It was very innocuous, saying from friends and"fellow
workers". Guidelines in keeping with Hqs cable were laid down for
those attending the funeral. These included no uniforms, no signing
of guest register etc.
28. On 10 January 1967 at 0830 hours a briefing was given to the
22 AF personnel who were attending the funeral. Arrangements had been
made through ffice to have five rented vehicles
available at the Burbank Terminal. The F-27 departed the area at
0900 hours.
29. Later in the day arrangements were made to transport a
shift captain and two guards to the crash site to relieve those on
 I.. - 0 31-'C-~T 0
duty there. Also, in keeping with'suggestions from Hqs arrangements
were made to have the trucks transporting the parts of Dutch 125 back
to Base arrive here after dark with a surveillance to assure they were
not followed. This was accomplished with no incidents.
30. On 11 January 1967 arrangements were made to supply three
security personnel for two days to the search party looking for the
canopy cameras. The canopy has been found but so far no sign of the
cameras.
31. 12 January 1967. It is anticipated that all parts will be
picked up at the crash site and security and pick-up crew personnel
will return late tonight. The crew looking for the cameras will
continue sweeping the area.
32. Attached are clipping taken from local newspapers available
to us.
Deputy Chief, Security