Date Posted:12/09/03 12:17:52 Author: Jim Baker Subject: Re: Handley Page Hastings Aircraft In reply to:
John 'Gary' Cooper
's message, "Handley Page Hastings Aircraft" on 9/02/03 20:50:27
No need to SHOUT! I've only been flying in one of these for 8 hours and what about the Khasi, that was something different. Time for a smoke methinks. Today these fliers don't know how we all roughed it.
Sometime in the mid 1960's a Hastings hit the sea off Cyprus. Both inboard sets of props were damaged (ie peeled back like a banana skin)but thankfully she made it to Akrotiri on two engines. I have a photo of the bent props in situ and also the pilots name who shall forever and a day remain anonymous with me. What I am looking for is more info on this subject, we have narrowed the index number down to TG521 or TG524, a date would also help as varying dates have ben suggested over a period of 8 years. I'm sure there is someone out there that knows someone who knows someone that..........!
Was very interested to read your account of the Gan incident, which I cannot add to. However, I was with ASF, 103 MU, Akrotiri, from June '63 to June '66 and recall very well the arrival of this aircraft for changing of two inboard engines. My recollection is that this aircraft was in fact en route from Luqa, Malta to Akrotiri when this extremely irresponsible incident occurred.
I remember that the cyclic gear to both inboard engines had been completely stripped following the contact of the props with the water and extensive checks were needed to ensure that the engine mountings had not been compromised. It was soon airborne again.
I said irresponsible action by the crew, especially the pilot, who was believed to be relieving his boredom by emulating a much smaller aircraft by demonstrating his wave-hopping abilities. The obvious stupidity and total disregard for the safety of his crew and passengers, is rather obvious to more adult observers. As I recall, he did not in fact receive any such adulation or inappropriate airmanship award, but a posting and permanent grounding. However, dependent upon the influence of those he may have known and the integrity of the supposedly responsible Air Officers at HQNEAF at the time, he may well have found his way back into flying and probably promotion.
From Mike G posted by J Cooper, thanks Mike!
I remember this story - I was a signaller on 36 sqn Hastings from late 1965 to mid 1967. My first operational flights were on a detachment to RAF Nicosia where I heard the tale - the story, at the time, went along the lines of a captain telling his co-pilot that he'd 'show him how to fly low over the water '!! If I remember rightly, the inboard props were just 9" lower than the outboards ! Don't remember any names.
