In 1986, a Dakota while on a flight to Ondangwa in Northern Namibia at about 8000ft was hit with a SA-7 missile. The explosion ripped off most of its tail. To add additional pressure, the Dakota was full of military VIP passengers including the Chief of the Army. The Captain slowed the Dak down to 100 kts in order to keep it under control and called for help. There was a chopper in the area which formatted on him and relayed the damage to him. The chopper also took the pic’s. Apparently he ordered the passengers up and down the aircraft to regulate the C of G to act as an elevator before going into land. Using flaps and power to control the pitch, he greased it onto the tarmac. He was later awarded The Chief of the SADF Commendation for his exceptional flying skills. C/N 32961 / SAAF 6855 (2) About to land safely after being hit by a SA-7 surface to air missile near Odangwa on 1 May 1986.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 21:14:52 +0000