RNDMTRS4EVR wrote:
I do work with Vern off and on, his shop is just down the street from me, he has some very interesting stories of what never made it to film on that whole recovery attempt. He is a a nice guy and can fabricate anything.
Scott.....
I did a search before posting this thread, and saw there were several previous Kee Bird threads. Lots of speculation, and as can be expected, some Monday Morning Quarterback-ing. I figured I'd start a new thread instead of reigniting an old one. I also bought the "Chasing Warbirds" book, hoping it arrives any day now.
At the risk of kicking-off another round of Kee Bird criticisms, I've always been curious about how things would have unfolded had the plane not caught fire. Most importantly, how sure was the crew that the aircraft could get off the ground on their short runway? Believe they had carved a 2000-3000 foot runway out of the snow and ice, albeit still bumpy.
Had they run the numbers, and come up with some level of confidence that they'd be able to keep the aircraft pointed straight down the runway, and gain enough speed to takeoff? Or was there some level of "I hope this works" involved?
Would love it if Vern would come on this board, and do a Reddit-style Ask Me Anything (AMA). I always thought the Kee Bird recovery story was an incredible tale of adventure; like a modern Indiana Jones story.