◆ SpookStack

headquarters reported "in 5 hours and 30 minutes, 5 ANG pilots voluntarily and unassisted, with minimum equipment and a lot of initiative and a lot of imagina- tion, raised Ref B[26] Alc, lowered gear, replaced damaged props, and flew AIC to MADD." 761 This local initiative went over with a dull thud in Headquarters. Although stating that Head- quarters appreciated the "initiative, enthusiasm, imagination" of the Air National Guard pilots, Wash- ington pointed out that engine malfunction or struc- tural failure with the resultant loss of crew or equip- ment would represent an "irreplaceable loss to us in addition to being an embarrassing situation in explain- ing the circumstances." As a grudging afterthought, Headquarters added: "in this instance, due to suc- cessful outcome, you are commended." 771 A subsequent cable from Gar Thorsrud, Air Commander at MAnD, un- doubtedly mollified Headquarters DPD, for Thorsrud pointed with reference to the repairs that: Of the five ANG pilots, three are ex-B-26 crew chiefs, one is a certified [FAA] A&E mechanic, two are qualified maintenance officers, and three were civilian test pilots. On this basis it was felt they were technically qualified to determine air worthiness. - 149 -