Day 24: 1997-06-12
ATW Retro-blog: 1997-06-12 (Day#24)
Anadyr (RU) – RTB
310nm; 3h40; Hughes (833) / Purchase (962)
A clear start to the day. Breakfast was composed of the remaining rations which were prepared by the kitchen staff of a snack bar. Despite the good spirits the day had engendered so far, things took a usual turn at the airfield: charges which were settled at about GB£1,370 didn’t include fuel, because there was none. The team were therefore left with no option but to make three journeys to a local garage for 92 octane petrol. After tests, which included Dave Gill burning a sample, it was determined that the fuel was usable.
With everything set for the leg to Providenya Bay, and thence into US territory, the need for Yuri’s services had been fulfilled. He was bought his return ticket to Pskov and given a generous bonus.
The Team departed about 13:00, the Islander overtaking the Chipmunks and checking out prevailing conditions at Providenya, since the cold ice mass of the Bering Sea could produce significant fog and overcast if the wind turned on-shore. Tony Severs’ relayed Providenya ATC’s reports of low cloud and “20 knot fog” ! Continuing at endurance speed in hope, the sensible precautionary decision was made at the point of no return, to execute a 180 and head back to Anadyr. 3 hrs 40 mins airborne for no forward progress.
The team discovered that Yuri had already departed for home and was met by the airport admin staff with the comment: “Who will pay now”? Despite the loss of their interpreter, they managed to re-claim their previous night’s accommodation and find a meal of (once again) frankfurters and reconstituted mashed potato.
All in all, a frustrating day.
Yuri makes his last refueling of the aux tank in WP962
The terrain inland from Anadyr
Day 24: UHMA-PNR-UHMA 310 nm, 3.66 hrs, GS 85 kts. Cumulative 6877 nm, 71.33 hrs, Average GS 96 kts.
Last edited by India Four Two; 20th Jun 2017 at 07:05.