TOM EVENS

Just arrived as a new member and wish to comment on this thread. These were squadron mates of mine in the 776th TAS CCK. The mission was a multi-destination week long trip. The copilots were receiving upgrade training for aircraft commander. I as a senior copilot had been scheduled for this mission but due to manpower issues I was sent back "in country" to NKP, Thai. replaced by Lt Murphy. The flight was not on their itinerary but the IP was authorized to fly for upgrade training requirements. This later became a big issue that it was flown without permission. Some crew decided not to fly as they were only going to do traffic pattern work. My recollection is that a simulated engine-out ( power reduced ) approach was flown with a touch and go planned. All throttles were advanced for the T&G but one engine possibly lost power and the aircraft veered off runway and the wing tip made ground contact spinning the plane further out of control. The result was as previously discussed. The unauthorized passengers, not allowed on training flights, were all met the previous evening at dinner. The flight attendant was on layover with Pan Am, her father a US congressman. This investigation went right to the top and many "heads rolled" along with massive operational procedural changes. You could no longer takeoff from anywhere until you called HOME and got permission.