This saga happened in the early 1970's, just about 50 years ago! Some of the facts are a bit fuzzy- but my personal experience is clear in my memory!
Off we headed the next morning to the airport. We were surprised that so much snow had fallen, but as the sun came up the sky was clear, so I had little doubt that we'd be departing on schedule.
Once to the airport we were met by the ground crew. "Houston, we have a problem!" It seemed that the one man who had the keys to the snow removal equipment and garage was not in town! In fact- he was in Florida! I assume he thought the chance of snow was over! Surprise!
Now what do we do!? I'm not sure- but I think the snow removal for the airport was County equipment back then.
There was also a Convair 580 crew that had overnighted as well. After a bit of discussion between the pilots, the Convair crew decided to try for take-off.
We sat in the airport restaurant and watched as the passengers were boarded. Once they were closed up they proceeded to taxi back and forth on the runway! Back and forth they went. I can only assume they were trying to clear some of the snow with their turbo props. I can't remember how many times they taxied back and forth! I do remember snow flying as they ran the engines and taxied fast- back and forth- back and forth.
Finally they rolled and took off! Alright!! Now for our turn!
I remember we had less than a full airplane. I was 2nd Flight Attendant- so my jump seat was in the back- right between the two engines! I was flying with a beautiful little blond who was almost as new as I was. This was our first weather related delay. But we took it in stride.
We had a bit of difficulty getting traction at first. We seemed to be rocking back and forth- then finally proceeded to taxi into position! Announcements made, passengers checked- I then took my seat. I thought "Here we go! If the Convair could do it we should be okay!"
At the end of the runway the pilots ran up the engines, it seemed longer than normal! Down the runway we sped. Nose up, we lift off! We were just about tree top level when POP POP POP POP!! - then dead silence! We came down fast to a hard jolting landing! Then we slid to a stop!!
A few passengers let out exclamations as we fell to earth! Did I go into a "brace" position? Nope. I had each hand on the side walls! Several passengers turned quickly to look at me. I tried to form a smile on my face- but don't think I actually achieve it!
Looking out the windows I realized we were still on the runway- thank goodness! We were on the far end- but as long as pavement was under us, I knew we were okay. The other flight attendant met me in the middle of the isle- as we asked each other if all was okay. As we checked passengers everyone seemed to be a bit shook, but okay. ! We put on brave faces and reassured passengers everything was alright.
The Captain came on the P.A. informing us that we had ingested snow into the engines, thereby loosing power. We would be heading back to the terminal and wait for the runways to be cleared.
Later the pilots told me we were mere feet from the end of the runway!
As we tried to turn to head back to the terminal we encountered a problem! First it took several attempts to get the engines going again. (At least that's what it sounded like to me!) The "Whine and Click" sound happened several times. Finally we had power. Now trying to get back to the terminal proved a challenge! We were doing that rocking thing I use to do when my car was stuck.
The pilots asked us to move all passengers to a certain area, I think to the over wing area- but don't remember for sure. Just remember relocating them. Whatever they were trying to do- it worked. We were moving!
So- back to the terminal. Passengers deplaned. We deplaned. We went into the airport restaurant and proceeded to eat -and wait!!
Being fairly new at the time I had all sorts of questions for the pilots. I wish I could remember the two pilot's names! They were very patient at explaining and answering questions. They also had funny senses of humor! The other Stewardess and I were laughing at the jokes and stories. It seemed we might be there for lunch time!
The restaurant had big window where you could look out at the runways. After what seemed like hours one lone snow plow truck began clearing the runways. I think they finally found someone local that had a snow removal business!
Eventually we had a clear runway. The pilots did their "walk around", inspecting everything to be sure we had not damage. Passengers were boarded and off we took! That was my first experience with snow ingested in the engines! It wasn't my last!
Years later I read that Duluth got a freak snow storm in May! I think it shut everything down for several days! Northern Minnesota, like Northern Michigan has some unpredictable weather! One never knew when Mother Nature decided to throw a surprise!
Until Next Time, Dear Readers!
Life Is Indeed An Adventure! And When Mother Nature Decides To Surprise, It Can Become An Adventure Indeed!!
2 comments:
I've flown turboprops and jets, and just as you, I found that one thing the TPs were great at was TO and LNDG on a contaminated runway.
I did not expect your story to take that turn, I said "Holy Shit!" reading it. Thats epic, I'm glad it worked out okay and thank you for sharing it.
Dear Theoden- Thank you for your comment! Yes- that was one memorable day!
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