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Hiram Broiles only mishap during his CNAC years was shortly after liftoff with a plane full of passengers. Engine trouble forced a hasty landing on a river sandbar. None of the passengers were injured, the plane was not damaged, and even Hiram's co-pilot didn't have a scratch. However, Hiram's face hit the instrument panel when his co-pilot slammed into him from the sudden stop. A permanent crease remains across his nose as a reminder. While recuperating in the hospital, longtime friend Claire Chennault, later commander of the Flying Tigers, paid Hiram a visit waving a bottle of whiskey. Hiram later flew the airplane off the sandbar during high tide. (Copyright © 2001 by Gregory Young. All rights reserved.)  Thanks! |