WIX Archives
Re: Boeing 307 is Down!!!
Posted by Michael on Thu Mar 28, 2002 05:26:59 PM
In reply top Boeing 307 is Down!!! posted by Brad on Thu Mar 28, 2002 04:51:31 PM
From the KOMO website:
WEST SEATTLE - A Boeing S307 Stratoliner airplane carrying four people went down in Elliott Bay just east of West Seattle-Duwamish Head area near Salty's Restaurant.
All four men on board survived with minor injuries. They were taken to Harborview and were listed in satisfactory condition.
Witnesses say the plane had apparently had propeller troubles before impact. They say the plane was coming from north heading south before it took sharp turn near Harbor Island. One propeller was apparently not working on left side.
Many describe the landing as a heroic -- a "perfect water landing" according to one witness, and that the pilot did a masterful job landing in the water.
FAA spokesman Mike Fergus says they received a mayday call from the pilot shortly after takeoff from Boeing Field. No other information was available.
The historic plane was built in 1940 for Pan American Airlines and is currently owned by the Smithsonian. The plane was being refurbishing here at the Museum of Flight. This one was named the "Clipper Flying Cloud."
Aviation expert John Nance says the plane had wings and tail similar to that of a B-17. It was the first plane to be pressurized and was able to seat 33 in its original configuration.
The plane appears to be structurally intact, which bodes well for recovery and repair efforts. This one that went down is the last one in existence.
The plane was slated to head to the Smithsonian but was being stored here through Boeing and the Museum of Flight until the Smithsonian was ready to house the plane.