T & B,
Dave (GL) Warren would know all about formation tip strikes in RAN Wessie: and both involved flew to a safe landing
Of tales of slung loads, there was the AL2 on floats off Warri, Nigeria, that padded so much on start that the TR drive shaft was slightly cut through. Eventually, hero Frog
chief pilot driver arrives in Puma from Port Harcourt, hooks up lame AL2,and flies away.
Like, flies away as if solo. Passing through 500 ft, AL2 is now flying formation, alternatively port and starboard. Ch'enge in the back suggests a bit of moderation, or jettison. Very upset that Frog doesn't even orbit to watch the splash, simply heading NE for Pt Harcourt. Amazingly, aircraft data plate is retrieved from wreck before it sinks, and insurance claim is filed.
Insurance chappie turns up at offices in Scheven/somewhere in Netherlands, and checks on various details of claim, including weight of AL2 on departure. When all is finalised, a cheque is presented for underslung load insurance, $5/kilo
