CRASH SITE OF "THUD 71" LOOKING NORTHEAST FROM ROADRUNNER AVE. THE AIRCRAFT, WHICH IMPACTED TAIL DOWN ON THE CANYON’S EDGE, SCATTERED WRECKAGE FOR OVER A QUARTER MILE AND LEFT THIS STILL DISCERNABLE DEPRESSION IN THE GROUND

Tony Moore remembered hearing about the F-105 accident in Thousand Oaks. He especially recalled witness accounts that said the pilot apparently made an effort to steer clear of populated areas. Fulop's heroic actions saved lives, but cost him his own. For this reason, Tony decided to search for the crash site and pay tribute to a little-known hero.

Tony enlisted the aid of fellow X-Hunter Pete Merlin and the hunt was on. Pete also remembered the tale and was eager to help. They located old newspaper articles in various libraries. Tony contacted the Ventura County Sheriff's department and the Air Force in search of accident reports. Finally, documentation in hand, they studied topographic maps and aerial photos of the area in which the F-105 crashed.

It wasn't difficult to figure out where the jet crashed, but a substantial amount of development had taken place in the area since the time of the accident. There were several new neighborhoods, industrial facilities and a public park. Fortunately, the canyon itself had been preserved as part of the Rancho Conejo Open Space.

On 25 March 2001, Pete and Tony hiked to the crash site. After a few false starts, they finally found a navigable route. At first glance there was little to indicate the violent events that had taken place on the canyon rim so many years before. New vegetation had covered the terrain, but a close inspection revealed debris scattered over a wide area. There were pieces of the airplane's camouflaged aluminum skin, internal structure, hydraulics and electronic components. Tony and Pete even found remnants of exploded 20mm ammunition. Part numbers and inspection stamps confirmed the aircraft's identity as a Republic F-105 Thunderchief. Before departing, Tony and Pete paid silent tribute to the memory of Maj. Charles T. Fulop whose final actions prevented harm to innocent civilians.

CRASH SITE OF "THUD 71" LOOKING SOUTHEAST FROM ROADRUNNER AVE.

THIS SOLITARY SPOT OF BRUSH IS THE ONLY MARKER OF THE F-105’S IMPACT POINT. NOTE IN THE BACKGROUND ROOFTOPS OF NEW HOMES BUILT RIGHT UP TO THE EDGE OF THE CRASH SITE

FRAGMENTS OF F-105G "THUD 71". NOTE REMNANTS OF DARK GREEN AND DESERT TAN CAMOUFLAGE PAINT ON SEVERAL OF THE LARGER PIECES IN FOREGROUND