45 minutes in a T-33
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45 minutes in a T-33
In September 1956, a crew chief sergeant in the Royal Norwegian Air Force decided to "borrow" one of RNAF 718 Sqdn's T-33s. He had no previous flight experience, but had carefully studied all the Lockheed manuals and planned the flight meticulously - it was the day after his 21st birthday.
The incident took place at Sola Airbase outside Stavanger, Norway. When it was shortly discovered that this was an unauthorized flight, all he*l broke loose at Sola - a SAS DC-6 loaded with PAX was de-boarded, F-84s and other T-33s already airborne were vectored to escort the miscreant back to base.
Several attempts at landing were made without success until the final safe touchdown; whereupon he soon lost a little directional control, hit a runway light, and collapsed the right main gear, coming to rest near the flight line where several other jets were parked. Not a scratch on him, but he was boiling mad about veering off the runway and had nothing good to say about the fellows who had attempted to force him down.
He was summarily drummed out of the Air Force, left Norway, and spent the rest of his life in the USA.
The aircraft had Norwegian markings DP-I, tail number 51-11752 as shown in the picture below. (Also note the RNAF RF-84F Thunderflash in the background - this could have turned out much worse !). The T-Bird was quickly repaired and returned to service.
I'm looking to find out more about this story and the airplane's history. Particularly, missing details/pictures about its time with the French Air Force after retirement from the RNAF. I know it eventually ended up in the Thai Air Force and was taken out of service as late as 1993 after, apparently, a cockpit fire. Today it's in a museum in Chiang Mai, Thailand as far as I've been able to determine.
If anyone can shed any more details about this story or the airplane, I would sincerely appreciate it. I know a court of inquiry took place in Norway and that the control tower tapes were scrutinized - but try as I might, the tapes and inquiry commission records seem to have disappeared. (I know it's a small breach of forum etiquette, but if no one strongly objects I'm also posting this in the Military Aircrew forum).
Cheers,
Tom
PS: Oh yes, forgot to mention something: the miscreant himself was my older brother, call sign "Alpine".
The incident took place at Sola Airbase outside Stavanger, Norway. When it was shortly discovered that this was an unauthorized flight, all he*l broke loose at Sola - a SAS DC-6 loaded with PAX was de-boarded, F-84s and other T-33s already airborne were vectored to escort the miscreant back to base.
Several attempts at landing were made without success until the final safe touchdown; whereupon he soon lost a little directional control, hit a runway light, and collapsed the right main gear, coming to rest near the flight line where several other jets were parked. Not a scratch on him, but he was boiling mad about veering off the runway and had nothing good to say about the fellows who had attempted to force him down.
He was summarily drummed out of the Air Force, left Norway, and spent the rest of his life in the USA.The aircraft had Norwegian markings DP-I, tail number 51-11752 as shown in the picture below. (Also note the RNAF RF-84F Thunderflash in the background - this could have turned out much worse !). The T-Bird was quickly repaired and returned to service.
I'm looking to find out more about this story and the airplane's history. Particularly, missing details/pictures about its time with the French Air Force after retirement from the RNAF. I know it eventually ended up in the Thai Air Force and was taken out of service as late as 1993 after, apparently, a cockpit fire. Today it's in a museum in Chiang Mai, Thailand as far as I've been able to determine.
If anyone can shed any more details about this story or the airplane, I would sincerely appreciate it. I know a court of inquiry took place in Norway and that the control tower tapes were scrutinized - but try as I might, the tapes and inquiry commission records seem to have disappeared. (I know it's a small breach of forum etiquette, but if no one strongly objects I'm also posting this in the Military Aircrew forum).
Cheers,
Tom
PS: Oh yes, forgot to mention something: the miscreant himself was my older brother, call sign "Alpine".
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Bigmouth, yes, that's a good question. He had zero hours flight time, although on two or three occasions, as crew chief, he was allowed to ride along on post maintenace flights. I've now got about 2000 hours or so, mostly in complex piston singles - I've read through the T-33A flight manuals and studied the scenario he faced that day. I can't imagine me jumping into a T-Bird, even at gunpoint, and expecting to not have troubles.
Now, with an experienced back-seater, I'd love to give it the 'ol college try.
There's an old Norwegian truism, "Det er hell i uhell" - figuratively meaning "There's good luck in bad luck".
Cheers,
Tom
Now, with an experienced back-seater, I'd love to give it the 'ol college try.
There's an old Norwegian truism, "Det er hell i uhell" - figuratively meaning "There's good luck in bad luck".
Cheers,
Tom
Last edited by Trolltuner; 12th Jan 2010 at 23:47.
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In the sixties a Dutch ground crewman flew a Tracker from Malta to a safe landing at a base in North Africa. It can be done. I know it happened, I was with there at the time and it was a Sunday.
"Just proves a point , you can fly a plane with a bit of determination"
If you want to die without leaving the ground mate, try that with a Jaguar.................
Me got 1850 hours on it.......feel free to make lots of mouth noise..........
check in newt........................................
If you want to die without leaving the ground mate, try that with a Jaguar.................
Me got 1850 hours on it.......feel free to make lots of mouth noise..........
check in newt........................................
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Whilst that I wouldn't wish to denegrate any historical statement made by anyone, this sort of disclosure doesn't neccessarily mean that there is a case for supporting the (so-called) heroic exploits of someone who 'thought' that he/she was equal in his/her capabilities of that of a fully qualified pilot; the outcome of which was a survivable 'arrival' back onto 'Terra Firma' (although in somewhat of an unconventionable manner).
The term 'stupidity' comes to mind; there again, there have been quite a few instances of 'idiots' who were also pretentious in thinking that they too; were pilots?
In risking life or limb; without any thought for others, this particular flight came to rest just short of destroying the whole flight-line of many other very expensive jet aircraft... and the lives of people working on the ground.
Contrarary to popular belief; no, this doesn't show that any old 'Joe-Public' can handle a jet aeroplane; or, come to think of it; any other type of aeroplane... piston, floats, or glider. I spent twenty years sitting behind two pilots (as a Flight Engineer) before embarking upon 'taking control' as a private pilot and, I can assure you, that, despite my not inconsidderable flying experience as a F/E, I wouldn't have dreampt; not in my wildest dreams, of climbing aboard even the simplest form of jet trainer and taking to the skies without any prior tuition (or experience).
What a 'numpty'! If it were my elder brother who took to the skies in such an innapropriate manner I wouldn't be too keen to advertise it to the rest of the world; especially on PPrune!
TCF
The term 'stupidity' comes to mind; there again, there have been quite a few instances of 'idiots' who were also pretentious in thinking that they too; were pilots?
In risking life or limb; without any thought for others, this particular flight came to rest just short of destroying the whole flight-line of many other very expensive jet aircraft... and the lives of people working on the ground.
Contrarary to popular belief; no, this doesn't show that any old 'Joe-Public' can handle a jet aeroplane; or, come to think of it; any other type of aeroplane... piston, floats, or glider. I spent twenty years sitting behind two pilots (as a Flight Engineer) before embarking upon 'taking control' as a private pilot and, I can assure you, that, despite my not inconsidderable flying experience as a F/E, I wouldn't have dreampt; not in my wildest dreams, of climbing aboard even the simplest form of jet trainer and taking to the skies without any prior tuition (or experience).
What a 'numpty'! If it were my elder brother who took to the skies in such an innapropriate manner I wouldn't be too keen to advertise it to the rest of the world; especially on PPrune!
TCF
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1953, 210AFS Tarrant Rushton. Flight Refuelling had the maintenance contract so apart from QFIs and students there were only a couple of National Service airmen who looked after timekeeping and stats etc. One of these chaps with no previous flying experience was taught to fly the Meteor 7 by several friendly instructors. Don't know how many hours he accrued but those teaching him said if it was legal they would have happily sent him solo. He almost completed the syllabus.
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A65-89 VH-RFF C-47B 32881 44-76549 Delivered to the RAAF 04/45. 35 Sqn. Crashed 29/11/58, East Sale VIC. Killed was the alleged only occupant, Leading Aircraftsman Harold Pocock. He was not a trained RAAF Pilot.
Some might get away with it, but nevertheless, a foolish exercise in the extreme.
Some might get away with it, but nevertheless, a foolish exercise in the extreme.
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TCF.
I think you are being a little harsh on Trolltuner. Ok he posted on PPRuNe an interesting story. Let it be. Don't judge who is a 'numpty'
Changing tack, remember 23rd May '69 when Sgt. Paul Meyer, 23, stole a C-130 from Mildenhall in Suffolk after having a row with his wife back in the States on the phone ? No pilot training.
He went into the sea north of Jersey. Never seen again.
C.
I think you are being a little harsh on Trolltuner. Ok he posted on PPRuNe an interesting story. Let it be. Don't judge who is a 'numpty'
Changing tack, remember 23rd May '69 when Sgt. Paul Meyer, 23, stole a C-130 from Mildenhall in Suffolk after having a row with his wife back in the States on the phone ? No pilot training.
He went into the sea north of Jersey. Never seen again.
C.
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Forgot to include a helo I spent a joyous period (1-2-73 to 1-8-73) flying as the sole operator. Following the flight on 1-8 the aircraft was put into retirement and subsequently ended up with the Museum Historic Flight.
N8-101 F.9490 841, 891 The RAN acquired two Westland Scouts for hydrographic work in 1963. They arrived in Australia on the merchant vessel "Auckland Star". Delivered 20/03/63. Arrived as WS101 and later Serialed N8-101. Damaged 03/64 during landing. Withdrawn 10/08/77. To Naval Aviation Museum 10/82. Restored to flying condition as 891/VH-NVY. Damaged, rolling on its side in an accident at Schofield Air Show in Nov 1985. The cause of the accident was an unqualified, unlicenced pilot (aircraft engineer) who tried to air taxi it to another spot. Static Display at Australia's Museum of Flight, Nowra NSW as 891.
N8-101 F.9490 841, 891 The RAN acquired two Westland Scouts for hydrographic work in 1963. They arrived in Australia on the merchant vessel "Auckland Star". Delivered 20/03/63. Arrived as WS101 and later Serialed N8-101. Damaged 03/64 during landing. Withdrawn 10/08/77. To Naval Aviation Museum 10/82. Restored to flying condition as 891/VH-NVY. Damaged, rolling on its side in an accident at Schofield Air Show in Nov 1985. The cause of the accident was an unqualified, unlicenced pilot (aircraft engineer) who tried to air taxi it to another spot. Static Display at Australia's Museum of Flight, Nowra NSW as 891.
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Hello TCF. If you please, allow me a few observations on your "numpty" post.
I agree. Nowhere in my post will you find a suggestion to the contrary. As far as "disclosure", yes, this may be new on PPRuNe, but has been well known in Norway - a small society by UK standards - for over 50 years.
If you wish. As opposed to "stupid idiot", I guess I'd prefer "acting stupidly and idiotically" at age 21. Don't know about you, but I pulled a few escapades when younger that I'd rather forget. 
Yes. Not good, huh?
Nor did I suggest it did. Not sure whether it's really a "popular belief" - perhaps amongst the non-flying public, but likely not amongst those of us with actual authority as pilot-in-command. Some in the latter group, I have found, are especially threatened that "Alpine" (his real name was Arne) managed to survive the joy ride at all.
Nor would I, even with my flight experience (as I outlined in my post above in reply to Bigmouth).
Numpty. 
Now that's one I had to look up ! (you can probably tell that my "English" is really more "American", although I confess a great fondness for the Queen's language).
I disagree - but then I knew him for most of my life. I'd go so far as "exhibiting the character of a numpty at a time when young". Or perhaps, as I did, label him a miscreant - I'm now thinking that was too harsh.
Huh? Why not? I was seven years old when this took place and certainly not my older brother's keeper. I think PPRuNe is a great place to seek the technical and historical data I asked for in my post. I'm curious as to why you don't agree.
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. I'm still hoping someone will know someone who can help fill in the missing pieces of the story.
Cheers,
Tom
Whilst that I wouldn't wish to denegrate any historical statement made by anyone, this sort of disclosure doesn't neccessarily mean that there is a case for supporting the (so-called) heroic exploits of someone who 'thought' that he/she was equal in his/her capabilities of that of a fully qualified pilot;....
The term 'stupidity' comes to mind; there again, there have been quite a few instances of 'idiots' who were also pretentious in thinking that they too; were pilots?
Don't know about you, but I pulled a few escapades when younger that I'd rather forget.
In risking life or limb; without any thought for others, this particular flight came to rest just short of destroying the whole flight-line of many other very expensive jet aircraft... and the lives of people working on the ground.
Contrarary to popular belief; no, this doesn't show that any old 'Joe-Public' can handle a jet aeroplane; or, come to think of it; any other type of aeroplane... piston, floats, or glider.
.... despite my not inconsidderable flying experience as a F/E, I wouldn't have dreampt; not in my wildest dreams, of climbing aboard even the simplest form of jet trainer
What a 'numpty'!
Now that's one I had to look up ! (you can probably tell that my "English" is really more "American", although I confess a great fondness for the Queen's language).I disagree - but then I knew him for most of my life. I'd go so far as "exhibiting the character of a numpty at a time when young". Or perhaps, as I did, label him a miscreant - I'm now thinking that was too harsh.
If it were my elder brother who took to the skies in such an innapropriate manner I wouldn't be too keen to advertise it to the rest of the world; especially on PPRuNe!
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. I'm still hoping someone will know someone who can help fill in the missing pieces of the story.
Cheers,
Tom
Last edited by Trolltuner; 16th Jan 2010 at 17:42.
