Posted on 05/15/2009 9:06:13 AM PDT by LibWhacker
Years ago, I was flying back East from LA and noticed one of the engines (below the wing was) on fire. Told the stew, and we turned back to LAX. Of course, there was probably a warning light in the cockpit that the aircrew may have already seen....
Talk about putting the right person in the right place at the right time! I can't imagine anyone more qualified to recognize and report of fuel leak on an aircraft!
“but was given an unconcerned response...”
Like, “Oh, it always leaks a little on takeoff...”
Seems to me that this saavy NCO helped to save some lives. I believe the AF has a medal that can be awarded for such actions...I sure hope somebody at the 909th is writing up a citation for him.
Good story and kudos to the alert airman but the crew already knew they had a leak so they weren’t going to continue anyway. Still, first class seats is certainly a nice reward!
Ground crew member Mr.Magoo didn’t notice leak.
Nice!
Standard distance from Chi Town to Tokyo is about 6315 miles while from Chi to SanFran is 1858 miles or about 30% of total. Not knowing fuel capacity but probably no danger till well beyond coastline.
However they would have had an odd flight path. The 'Great Circle' route for Chi to Tokyo goes north over Canada and Alaska before arcing down the Bearing Sea and east of Kamchatka. By the time the pilot called in his destination change they were probably well into west-central Canada.
The Sgt has raised his public profile...The government will have to watch this guy cause he’s a likely future domestic terrorist threat.
Great work
Thanks for the ping.
The Airman should receive an official letter of commendation.
That was a BIG fuel leak. I’d like to know what caused it.
Staff Sgt. Bartek Bachleda alertness saved everyone on board. Good job Sgt.
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