Man Killed in ‘Rocket Crash’ in Desert in Barstow [CA]

ktla ^ | 02/22/2020

[BenLurkin]

A man died in what authorities described as a rocket crash in the desert in Barstow on Saturday afternoon.

The deadly crash was reported just before 2 p.m. on a private property along Highway 247, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said in a written statement. "A man was pronounced deceased after the rocket crashed in the open desert during a rocket launch event," the statement said. Medical help was already on-site, but the pilot could not be saved.

Authorities did not identity the pilot pending positive identification by coroner's officials. Witnesses and news reports indicted the launch was an event hosted by local daredevil "Mad" Mike Hughes, an amateur rocket builder intent on proving that the Earth is flat.

[cloudmountain]

And as I recall from a visit to Barstow a number of years ago, the World's largest McDonald's restaurant.

Lol. No surprise.
There USED to be a real restaurant, a LONG time ago...and it was good.

[cloudmountain]

I was stationed there at the Marine Corps Supply Center at Barstow in the early 70s. It is the west coast supply center and Repair facility for everything except aircraft. Dry desert climate makes for good storage conditions. Not much there then, the town, the bars, the Goldstone bar, and there was a girl behind every tree for young single Marines. Nothing as exciting as that went on when I was there. A lot of dumbassery here and there but no Wiley Coyotes launching themselves into the desert floor.

We (husband and I) were there in 1975...just a year. I didn't see any marines but heard the aircraft on occasion.
I was a substitute teacher for first graders. They were sure cute.

I ended up knowing very few people but EVERY first grader in town knew ME. They couldn't remember my name but their body language said "I know you! Hello, teacher!!"

[RJS1950]

I left Barstow in Jan of 73. At the time, Marines couldn’t wear fatigues outside of base but they were out in town none the less. The aircraft were probably from George AFB outside of Victorville/Apple Valley. No aircraft out of the base.

[cloudmountain]

I left Barstow in Jan of 73. At the time, Marines couldn’t wear fatigues outside of base but they were out in town none the less. The aircraft were probably from George AFB outside of Victorville/Apple Valley. No aircraft out of the base.

We were only there one year...1975. That was enough. Thanks for telling me about George AFB--no doubt the source of all the aircraft action.
I remember Victorville--nice town.
I also remember the IDLE SPURS in Barstow. Great food, especially the steaks.