The former "Double Nuts 100" is now known as "MISS BELLE", the name she carried while serving on the USS INDEPENDENCE during the 1960's and 70's. While stationed on the USS NIMITZ 146044 was known as "SALT ONE". As mentioned previously, 044 is undergoing a restoration in Topeka, Ks. following the accident in August of 02. The engine that failed was a 192 hour overhaul by JRS. It's good to hear that changes have been made on at least 2 S-2's regarding the routing of the feather line around the number 1 cylinder. It may save someone's life. Floyd Stillwell of Marsh Aviation in Mesa, AZ. told Doug's partner Richard Cronn that he had never heard of this type of failure in all the years he had operated S-2's and R-1820 engines. Floyd has over 10,000 hours operating these engines. Those guys won the lotterey in the worst sense of the way on that August day and there seems to have been quite a bit of "Divine Intervention". According to what I've heard, the plane nearly went on her back during the decent due to the enormous drag on the failed engine. The rudder boost was on and the left rudder jammed to the floor. Following the initial failure the remaing rods were all broke when the engine went ballistic in the overspeed. Parts were raining into a resort fishing lake and the engine fire was melting the boots on the right hand stabilizer. Hope this added information helps.
Jake Fendermen
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