Keith "Grid" Caldwell
Born in New Zealand, Caldwell became a pilot under the Royal Flying Corps and fought during WWI. He concluded the First World War with twenty five victories to his name, more than any other New Zealander. An impressive feat, no doubt, but of all his accomplishments, the most notable and most astounding would be during a flight in September of 1918. Following a collision, which damaged Caldwell's wing and sent him plummeting out of control, the quick thinking pilot managed to step out onto the wing, shift the center of gravity, and stabilize the plane enough to fly out of enemy territory. As the plane approached the ground Caldwell knew he would be unable to land it in this condition, so rather, he leapt from the plane, cleared the wreckage, and, according to accounts, got up, dusted himself off, and asked the nearby infantry if he could use a phone. A truly awe inspiring story of what humans can accomplish in dire situations.
http://www.cambridgeairforce.org.nz/Keith%20Caldwell.htm
No comments:
Post a Comment