by captjeff | Jan 31, 2017 | Plane Tales
Podcast (pt): Download
In the aftermath of the Second World War, Russia attempts to take control of Berlin by cutting off access to the West but an audacious plan to supply the beleaguered city from the air is mounted. One special American pilot becomes famous amongst the people of Berlin.
“OPERATION VITTLES” (Berlin Airlift)
Berlin youngsters who live near the Tempelhof Air Force Base, where the U.S. Air Force transport planes unload their airlift supplies, play at a game called “Luftbrucke” (air bridge). They use model American planes which are sold in German toy shops throughout the western sector of Berlin.
Images under Creative Commons licence by US Gov, National Museum of the USAF.
by captjeff | Jan 24, 2017 | Plane Tales
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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
by captjeff | Jan 16, 2017 | Plane Tales
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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.
by captjeff | Jan 14, 2017 | Plane Tales
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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).
by captjeff | Jan 6, 2017 | Plane Tales
Podcast (pt): Download
How something small and insignificant distracted a crew to the point of disaster. The story of Flight 401.
The flight path of Flight 401 recreated for the NTSB accident report.
Images under Creative Commons licence by Jon Proctor and US Gov NTSB.
by captjeff | Dec 29, 2016 | Plane Tales
Podcast (pt): Download
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,
