I heard of a flight somewhere in the wilds of Siberia where all passengers were seated ready for takeoff, when an engineer appeared in the cabin carrying what was obviously part of an aircraft. He paraded up and down the aisle then left. Shortly afterwards the captain announced that the engineer had been carrying a spare part that was needed for the onward flight. He invited the passengers to contribute to the cost of the part, or they were staying where they were.
I heard of something similar happening to a group of Norwegians who were in Russia around the time Aeroflot got competition from other small operators. Possibly in the early- mid 90s. Apparently Aeroflot willingly sold off aircraft to these rag- tag airlines, but kept the spare part inventory. And didn't sell anything on credit as those operators did not have a pot to piss in. Anyway, as these Norwegians were about to depart from whatever airport they were at with one of these fly by night operators the captain gets on the PA system and explains that they need a vital part, and Aeroflot will not sell one without cash in hand. The passengers then organize a fundraiser which allows said part to be bought. Then attached to the aircraft, and they were on their way. With an additional interesting story to tell, and a little less cash in their walets.
T J