Near Hiko in Nye County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Fallen Hero

Robert Sieker

— U-2 Test Pilot —

Fallen Hero Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by David Trojan

1. Fallen Hero Marker

Inscription.
This marker is dedicated in the memory of Lockheed test pilot Robert Sieker who lost his life when his U-2 test aircraft crashed near this site on April 4, 1957.

The U-2 was developed in total secrecy in the mid 1950's by Lockheed "Skunkworks" under Clarence "Kelly" Johnson as a high flying reconnaissance plane at the height of the Cold War. It flew out of a remote air base specifically built for this purpose which today is known as Area 51. Upgraded models of the U-2 continue to fly to this day. Most of them are based at Beale AFB, CA.

Although the U-2 was designed to fly above the range of existing enemy radar, at the time it was determined that eventually newer systems would be able to pick it up. Under the code name "Project Rainbow" tests were conducted to reduce the radar cross-section of the aircraft by coating the underside of some U-2 airframes in radar-absorbent material, making them the first "stealth" aircraft. Unfortunately the coating added drag and prevented engine heat from dissipating through the aircraft's skin.

On April 4, 1957, test pilot Robert Sieker took

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

"Article 341", one of the "Project Rainbow" airframes, on a routine test flight against radar sites near Indian Springs. At an altitude of 72,000 feet heat build-up caused the single engine to flame out, causing a loss of cabin pressure. Sieker's pressure suit automatically inflated but a seal on his helmet failed and he lost consciousness due to lack of oxygen. The aircraft descended in an uncontrolled flat spin. When Sieker regained consciousness at a lower altitude he attempted to bail out but unfortunately was struck by the tail section when he exited the aircraft.
The U-2 impacted the ground flat on its belly causing a small fire. Due to the remoteness of the area it took search and rescue teams several days to locate the crash site.

Erected by U.S. Department of the Interior - Bureau of Land Management.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, Cold. A significant historical date for this entry is April 4, 1957.

Location. 38° 12.915′ N, 115° 9.807′ W. Marker is near Hiko, Nevada, in Nye County. It can be reached from Coal Valley Road 11 miles west of Nevada Route 318. Touch

Photographed by David Trojan

2. Fallen Hero Marker

for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hiko NV 89017, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Mojave Desert

and in Central Nevada. It is also in the American Southwest

and in the Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

More about this marker. This sign is located within a mile of the crash site. Nothing remains at the crash site.

Also see . . . This Day in Aviation - "Article 341". (Submitted on September 17, 2025.)

U-2 "Article 341" image. Click for full size.

courtesy USAF

3. U-2 "Article 341"

Delivered in 1957, it was the first U-2 built.

courtesy USAF, 1957

4. Crash Site

This photo is featured on the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 17, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 104 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 17, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3. submitted on September 13, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on August 25, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.