by captjeff | Oct 27, 2018 | Plane Tales
Podcast (pt): Download
The tragic story of Southern Airways flight 242, a DC9 that lost both engines flying through severe weather and then performed a dead stick landing onto a road in New Hope with tragic consequences for both those onboard and those on the ground.
The approximate ground track of the stricken aircraft.
The accident aircraft.
Aircraft wreckage amongst the houses of New Hope.
Images used through Creative Commons licence with thanks to the NTSB, Crum357 and Clipperartic.
by captjeff | Oct 22, 2018 | Plane Tales
Podcast (pt): Download
Its May 1942 and America has joined the Second World War, committing many of its combat resources to campaigns around the world. On the East coast of America, vital shipping are being sunk by German submarines. The losses had been so terrible that the figures were being withheld from the public and for a few humiliating weeks, all coastal vessels were ordered to stay in harbour until convoys could be organised. The stage was set for the creation of the Civil Air Patrol.
Two Oregon Wing CAP members walk towards their aircraft during a training exercise.
A Civil Air Patrol air search and rescue pilot.
Images displayed under Creative Commons licence with thanks to the US Gov, Fry1989, the CAP and U.S. Air Force/Staff Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey.
by captjeff | Oct 18, 2018 | Plane Tales
Podcast (pt): Download
In a desperate gamble to encourage the USA to come to Britain’s aid during their most desperate of days of WW2, Churchill dispatched Sir Henry Tizard to America bearing a small metal box… Tizard’s Trunk. Inside were some of the most closely guarded technological secrets that Britain had to offer.
John Cockroft (right) wearing his Medal of Freedom awarded for his services to the Manhattan Project.
An original cavity magnetron, 1940, developed by John Randall and Harry Boot at Birmingham University.
Images displayed under Creative Commons licence with thanks to Los Alamos National Laboratory, the Science Museum London and the MIT Museum.
by captjeff | Oct 11, 2018 | Plane Tales
Podcast (pt): Download
The life of a pigeon can be a little mundane unless you are drafted into the Royal Air Force and find yourself on bombing missions, accompanying submarine hunters or parachuting into enemy territory with spies! This is the story of the humble homing pigeon, drafted into service!
The Photo Recon pigeon.
An RAF bomber crew member heads off with his pigeons.
Not to be outdone, Coastal Command shows off their feathered friend.
The Dickin medal winner, Commando!
A mobile pigeon loft of World War 1.
Photographs displayed under Creative Commons licence, with thanks to UK Gov, the German Federal Archive and the Imperial War Museum.
by captjeff | Oct 5, 2018 | Plane Tales
Podcast (pt): Download
The tragic days following the demise of Monarch Airlines are recounted in this, the second and final part of an interview with Captain Al Evans.
Captain Al Evans with his Monarch A320 at Gibraltar.
Images under Creative Commons Licence with thanks to Capt Al Evans.
by captjeff | Sep 25, 2018 | Plane Tales
Podcast (pt): Download
On 5 June 1967, Monarch Airlines was established with a rather aged Bristol Britannia and I doubt that many people had any great hopes for its longevity but, when it was approaching its 50th year of operation, it fell foul of a poor economic situation and collapsed. A year has gone by since then and Captain Al Evens recalls the events leading up to the demise of this much loved airline in this, the first part of two interviews.
A younger Al before he moved across to the Captain’s seat.
Happier days with a much loved airline.
Images under Creative Commons with thanks to Sebastian Ballard and Capt Al Evans.
