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From Fletcher Hank's, "WHEN AND HOW THE CNAC CRASHES HAPPENED ON THE HUMP AND ITS ENVIRONS DURING WWII" (hand-dated 5/4/02) Glenn Carroll 03/11/44, C-47 #86. No fatalities. Pia, copilot (Chinese), W.L. Wong radio operator (Chinese). While flying on top of an overcast from Kunming to Dinjan, with a very strong head-wind, he started his letdown when approaching Dinjan using its radio beacon. The station went off the air because a snake climbed into the generator and shorted it out. Glenn was lost after 6 hours flying. He letdown through the overcast with very little fuel and spotted a river. He skidded in with wheels up and came to rest on a sand bar. It turned out to be the Manas Moras River, a branch of the Bramaputra River northeast of Dinjan. No one hurt. Art Pendergast who was sent up to repair it so it could be flown out demonstrated the skills of our mechanics. While maneuvering in an inflatable boat, on of the mechanics fell in the water and a crocodile ate him. After lowering the gear, they used two elephants to tow the C-47 across the shallows to a large island. When it was ready, Art sent for Bill McDonald, CNAC's chief pilot. With full power, over a rocky beach the aircraft staggered off. It was a great accomplishment to save #86. Source: "Wings Over Asia" and Cedric Mah.  Thanks! |