Hello Everyone,
We have a possible Greenland expedition in the works for this summer, if we can get together a crew of capable, motivated guys willing to donate some time.
Several of us camped on the icecap for about 2 weeks in the summer of 2011 and located one of the P38's with a ground penetrating radar. Yes, it is deep.
Our plan is to basically replicate the process used in the 1992 recovery. We have met with most of the original group and several of them have offered advice and information which is gladly accepted.
We have two aircraft for the operation - one being a Wilga 80 and the other an AN2. These might seem like odd choices, however there are several benefits to each;
Wilga - has a geared radial turning a large prop, with lots of low end pulling power that is very important when taking off from soft, slushy snow on a warm afternoon at full gross. It is slow - but has very good STOL characteristics. It has factory built pneumatic retractable skis that work quite well. We flew to the icecap and back numerous times with it in 2011.
AN2 - these airplanes are rugged, designed for unimproved fields, have tremendous load carrying capabilities, and again, very good STOL characteristics. Full span flaps - slow approach and landing speeds that would be desirable landing on snow covered ice cap in various conditions. They are inexpensive and relatively easy to work on. One downside with the AN2 is there are no commerically available retractable wheel skis for them. We dealt with this obstacle by purchasing a set of straight skis, designed and built our own retract system and modified them to retractable wheel skis. It flight tested successfully on winter snow in upstate NY.
The Wilga and several tons of equipment are currently in storage in Kulusuk, Greenland.
The intent is to recover one of the P38's, eventually restore it to fly, and place it in a local flying museum in northern Calif. area. It is not a 'for profit' commercial venture.
If the recovery was successful, it's possible further attempts could be made on the remaining aircraft, although it appears the main group of them have drifted in to a crevasse field at this point.
Several potential recovery groups have attempted to raise funds seeking donations or sponsors, however it seems finding substantial financial support is a difficult prospect.
While donations will be gladly accepted, our project is being funded primarily 'out of pocket' so cost control is a major factor. The objective is to keep costs as minimal as possible without sacrificing safety or risk failing the mission. In spite of attempts to keep costs within reason, it is a very expensive project.
In general, we will cover costs for our crew including some travel, food, most of the gear needed, etc, but can not compensate for time.
We are looking for a few truly qualified, motivated, hard working individuals who could donate some time to help recover a very rare warbird and participate in the ultimate adventure.
The project would proceed in steps or 'phases' depending on success of the previous step.
Initially, we need;
- A&P or two, plus maybe two more capable assistant mechanics to finish some repairs on our AN2 and complete a thorough annual or 'condition inspection' in upstate New York. This would need to take place early May to mid May - about one month from now.
- Qualified pilot to fly the AN2 from upstate NY to Kulusuk Greenland. Target deparature date approx May 25.
- A&P and ideally IA to help re-assemble the Wilga currently in storage in Greenland, perform an annual and flight testing. Target for this step early June.
- pilot(s) to help fly aircraft with supplies and people to/from the ice cap. Most of June and July.
- several guys that are physically fit, cold weather experienced, with basic mechanical/fabrication skills to help set up main camp, boiler, hoist and frame system, electrical system, melting cone, etc.
There is a copy of the history channel documentary that covers the 1992 recovery and restoration on youtube - appears to be 4 parts - search on 'the lost squadron' or 'hunt for the lost squadron'
We will set up a facebook page within a day or two with some photos and additional information on the project. Title will be something like 'Lost Squadron - Greenland' a quick search should find the page.
For guys that are truly interested in assisting with the project, please email me at
GreenlandP38@gmail.com and include a list of qualifications.
With enough determination, dollars, commitment, and luck, perhaps we can recover at least one more of the Greenland P38's.
Thank you.
Ken Mc Bride