Larry, We’re Going Down

Larry, We’re Going Down

Fundamental errors in dealing with the dangers of winter operations brings a B737 down into the Potomac river, just after take off from Washington National airport.  An apaling accident which was compounded by a poorly organised rescue which occured in the full blaze of publicity.

An Air Florida Boeing B737.

 

The flight path of Flight 90 taken from the NTSB report.

 

 

Images under Creative Commons licence by Peter Duijnmayer, the US Gov NTSB and the Washington Post

Six in One Day

Six in One Day

February 1956 and the RAF is proud of it’s fine new jet fighter, the Hawker Hunter.  Of course the occasional loss is to be expected but this day’s work ends up with questions being asked in Parliament and a surprise for the people of Swaffham!

 

 

Images under Creative Commons licence, by Alan Wilson and UK Gov OS.

Operation Yonatan

Operation Yonatan

A hijacking of an Air France A300 ends up in Uganda which is ruled by the despot Idi Amin.  The Israeli Commandos mount a rescue that stuns the world.

 

The survivors disembark at Ben Gurion airport.

 

 

Images under Creative Commons licence by SRA Andy Dunaway – DefenseImagery.mil and the Government Press Office (Israel).

Christmas Heroes

Christmas Heroes

For most of the holidays around Christmas are a time to enjoy and celebrate but during the World Wars the fighting never stopped.  This is the story of three brave pilots, each holding their countries highest awards for valour and each killed during Christmas in pursuit of the same aims, victory.

The Victoria Cross.

 

The Air Force Medal of Honor.

 

The Knight’s Cross.

 

Images under Creative Commons licence, Crown Copyright Commonwealth War Graves Commission,