27 August 1980 – CF-104 RCAF (104859)

In the second half of August 1980, a large number of CF-104s from the Royal Canadian Air Force were stationed at Soesterberg Air Base. The CF-104s of 441 Squadron were normally based at Baden-Söllingen Air Base, but operated from Soesterberg Air Base from 15 to 29 August.

On the afternoon of a hot and sunny Wednesday, 27 August, four CF-104s took off from Soesterberg for a practice bombing exercise on the Noordvaarder range at Terschelling. At 1:40 PM local time, the third CF-104 (104859) reached its bomb release point, where it was observed that parts were falling off the aircraft. The aircraft immediately rolled 100 degrees to the left, then rolled back level, after which pilot Major Rob W. Porter decided to eject. Because he was flying at a low altitude of approximately 100–200 feet, the parachute opened the moment he entered the water. Major Porter was picked up by an Alouette III SAR helicopter within six minutes. He was diagnosed with a concussion, a dislocated shoulder, and serious back injuries.