Timing is perfect, we leave the hotel right on time and we are met at the airport by the representative of Streamline for a speedy departure, we have 1700 nm to cover today.
Fast airport check and we are on the ramp, flight plan filed and in the process of doing the airplane pre take off check.
A Airbus 330 from Aeroflot is moving slowly on the taxiway.
He miss the turn to his left, tower told him to stop, then to turn 180 degree and park behind where he stands.
50% power is apply to the engines and the airliner start his turn.
Our planes are barely 70 yards behind him, we all get the full blast of the powerful engines.
All hell break loose, when the maelstrom is finally over, we access the damages.
Fast airport check and we are on the ramp, flight plan filed and in the process of doing the airplane pre take off check.
A Airbus 330 from Aeroflot is moving slowly on the taxiway.
He miss the turn to his left, tower told him to stop, then to turn 180 degree and park behind where he stands.
50% power is apply to the engines and the airliner start his turn.
Our planes are barely 70 yards behind him, we all get the full blast of the powerful engines.
All hell break loose, when the maelstrom is finally over, we access the damages.
Broken 796
Broken iPad
The ground is in very bad shape with gravel every where and larger rock in between
we basically spend 30 minutes cleaning up the engine intakes full of gravel and assessing the airplane damages. The TBM seems to have taken the full blast and numerous paint impact are present.
Upon entering the cockpit of the Mustang, the co-pilot side windshield shattered
It is quickly decided that the plane is not going anywhere today.
The airport authorities and the crew of the Aeroflot Airbus are working with us.
Within 2 hours, all the happening has been recorded and signed by all the people present.
We have 2 tickets for th crew of the Mustang, they will leave the next day to Anchorage on a dire t flight from Petropavlosk.
It is very sad to leave an airplane behind.
PS: Update on the situation, Team Mustang has the part, 2 technicians, 1 ferry pilot and the completion date of the repair locally is set for August 2. We are helping with the visas, hotels and local arrangements
Hello there, I work for BDP International, Cessna's third-party logistics provider, and I helped arrange the transport of the replacement windshield from Cessna's facility in Wichita KS to Russia. It's very rare that I get to see the articles I ship actually being put to use, so I was pleasantly surprised to find your blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you were able to continue your trip after this incident, I use to work as a cargo handler and I know how dangerous jet wash can be.
Safe Journies!
Thank you for your king words. It was a very sorry moment but the amazing part of the world of aviation is the dedication of all the parties involve to make things moving again.
DeleteThe plane is back on us soil.
Jet blast, gravel and rocks are not a good combination in a tight space.