Berlin Airlift, Yorks etc
I remember a number of years ago reading an account by a participant of the Berlin Airlift. One particular incident stands out that I feel sure we all can relate to due to our varied experiences in Light Blue. Hopefully, one of those involved can post the true and accurate details here, as I am sure to have unwittingly made mistakes somewhere.
During the height of the Berlin Airlift, the well-oiled machine of organisation methodically and consistently loaded the various aircraft types with loads pre-prepared. Often they were a mix of cargo's, from liquid fuel through coal and sugar, and included each and every item needed by the population of Berlin to remain warm, fed and civilised.
One Dakota crew, experienced in this continual aerial lifeline, arrived at their aircraft, signed the required paperwork (as Danny says, it was forever thus), started up and taxied. Nothing amiss. Until the take off roll. This particular evening, the trusty old Dak was sluggish. The crew exchanged glances, looked out the windows for flat tyres, shrugged and continued. At some point, late in the take off run, they realised there was something seriously wrong, as the aircraft would not accelerate. Past the point of safe stopping, they decided the only course of action was to attempt to continue. Due to the length of runway in use, and the helpful curvature of the Earth, the Dak finally had air beneath her wheels...but only just. A much flatter climb profile than normal ensued, not through choice. Unable to climb to her normal cruising height, the crew continued rather nervously while checking everything imaginable on the aircraft for the cause of their peril. No huge panels were noted to be causing enormous drag, and no other aircraft issues were identified. But the poor engines were running continually at climb power, just to remain airborne. Our intrepid crew made it (to Gatow ?), landing speed 30 knots faster than normal to prevent falling out of the skies on Finals, and deplaned as nervous wrecks. The Captain insisted on the load being weighed as it was removed. The handlers were baffled why anyone would want their load weighed AFTER landing, but grumpily complied. The Dak, DC3, C47 etc had a load capability of around 3 tons. When this particular load was weighed, it was realised that the aircraft had inadvertently been filled with a load for a York, apparently around 9 tons.
Wonder if this is a world record for a Dak?
Camlobe
Has anyone ever met the man behind Murphy's Law?