Pilot Friedrich "Fritz" Karl

Pilot Friedrich "Fritz" Karl

United States Department of Justice - Immigration and Naturalization Service - United States Border Patrol, U.S. Government

End of Watch Thursday, October 4, 1973

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Friedrich "Fritz" Karl

Pilot Fritz Karl and Senior Patrol Agent John Blue were killed in an airplane crash near Tacna, Arizona, shortly after takeoff.

The two agents were on a patrol in the area and had stopped at an airport near Tacna to make ground contact with other agents. Shortly after takeoff, the landing gear of the plane struck a 52-foot high power line, causing it to flip over and crash onto I-8.

Pilot Karl was a United States Marine Corps WWII dive bomb pilot veteran and had served with the Border Patrol for 28 years. He was survived by his wife, two sons, two brothers, and a siater.

Bio

Age 50
Tour 28 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Aircraft accident
Location Arizona

plane crash, aerial patrol

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Most Recent Reflection

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This was my uncle Fritz. He was my father's brother. I recall meeting him only once since he didn't return to Minneapolis much at all. Wish I could have know more about his life and family.

Marta Schnapp McClay
Niece

February 27, 2024