Fred Thomas's WWII RNZAF Ventura wreckage (merged)
Oct 20, 2019 7:19:01 GMT 12
skyhawkdon likes this
Post by ErrolC on Oct 20, 2019 7:19:01 GMT 12
www.stuff.co.nz/travel/destinations/pacific-islands/116620031/new-zealand-plane-wreck-reveals-incredible-survival-story
New Zealand plane wreck reveals incredible survival story
We're in New Britain, the largest island off Papua New Guinea's mainland.
...
But, against all odds, Thomas managed to fly a path between clouds to keep the bomber in the air.
Two hours after being hit, the first American flags were spotted on a barge off the coast of Talasea. Running critically low on fuel, Thomas caught a glimpse of a tiny patch of grass – an emergency strip – far too short for his bomber, but the only option.
With not enough thrust to make a second landing attempt, the aircraft was thumped down hard before the official start of the runway. Pushing with all his force on the brakes – and with a fortunate incline – Thomas managed to stop his crippled bomber just short of a gully.
One hour and 55 minutes after being hit, the aircraft came to a standstill, where it rests today.
...
New Zealand plane wreck reveals incredible survival story
We're in New Britain, the largest island off Papua New Guinea's mainland.
...
But, against all odds, Thomas managed to fly a path between clouds to keep the bomber in the air.
Two hours after being hit, the first American flags were spotted on a barge off the coast of Talasea. Running critically low on fuel, Thomas caught a glimpse of a tiny patch of grass – an emergency strip – far too short for his bomber, but the only option.
With not enough thrust to make a second landing attempt, the aircraft was thumped down hard before the official start of the runway. Pushing with all his force on the brakes – and with a fortunate incline – Thomas managed to stop his crippled bomber just short of a gully.
One hour and 55 minutes after being hit, the aircraft came to a standstill, where it rests today.
...
