H-43 Transfer~~SAC to CARRC

1961 TDY to Pease AFB NH. Transfering 2 H-43s from SAC to CARRC. Grounded both aircraft for multiple red X conditions. Both had tower rods installed backwards, and other hazardous conditions. SAC QC personnel wouldn’t talk to me anymore. They had to reply by endorsement to Gen. LeMay why a SSgt from rescue could tear up a SAC QC department staffed with E-8s and E-9s.

Finally bought the aircraft and took off for Wurtsmith AFB MI. Outside of Allentown PA oil started flowing out of the panel under the engine. Told the pilot we had an emergency, he asked how bad it was, looked back and I was in a shower of oil.

Emergency landing on the grounds of Allentown prison. Before the rotors stopped the warden was there with armed guards wanting to know what was going on.

Flew on to Olmsted in the other aircraft. Spent the night in the secret helicopter unit’s hangar pulling the engine out of the good aircraft. I had flown with the Maintenance Officer at Goose Bay, and he said the place was mine.

In the morning loaded the engine into their H-19 and they flew it out to the downed aircraft. They had dispatched a cherry picker from Olmstead. Did a boon dock engine change and went back to Olmstead. We left one helicopter there to get a new engine and flew the good bird to Wurtsmith.

(Note: This one of several stories that fellow ROTORHEAD Chuck Severns wanted to share with the group. Chuck passed away on 22 Feb 2007 and these stories are being posted in his honor).