- 2 days ago
First broadcast 12th November 1972.
Whilst coming into land after a routine flight, Captain Rolph suddenly takes evasive action to avoid a WWII Lancaster bomber.
Peter Barkworth - Captain Rolph
Bernard Brown - Frank Warley
Artro Morris - Samuels
Diana Fairfax - Rosalind Warley
Denis Lill - Froggat
Anthony Dutton - Armstrong
Karin MacCarthy - Zoe
Barrie Fletcher - Arthur Shaw
Christopher Denham - Radar Controller
Laurie Asprey - Ground Controller
Roger Avon - Police Inspector
Candida Fawsitt - Linda
Carl Bohen - Ernst
Paul Bentley - Franz
Anna Kilpinen - Hilde
Whilst coming into land after a routine flight, Captain Rolph suddenly takes evasive action to avoid a WWII Lancaster bomber.
Peter Barkworth - Captain Rolph
Bernard Brown - Frank Warley
Artro Morris - Samuels
Diana Fairfax - Rosalind Warley
Denis Lill - Froggat
Anthony Dutton - Armstrong
Karin MacCarthy - Zoe
Barrie Fletcher - Arthur Shaw
Christopher Denham - Radar Controller
Laurie Asprey - Ground Controller
Roger Avon - Police Inspector
Candida Fawsitt - Linda
Carl Bohen - Ernst
Paul Bentley - Franz
Anna Kilpinen - Hilde
Category
📺
TVTranscript
00:00Ladies and gentlemen,
00:29we will be landing at Luton Airport in five minutes.
00:32Would you fasten your seats, sir, please, and extinguish your cigarettes?
00:35The weather at Luton is reported to be fine but cold.
00:40Landing gear.
00:42Landing gear check.
00:47Trained arm.
00:50Three greens.
00:53Fully established on ILS, a six miles to go, sir.
01:00Luton Approach, Gulf 44 Bravo.
01:03Fully established on ILS, a seven.
01:06Roger, Gulf 44 Bravo.
01:08Established on ILS.
01:09At outer marker, contact Luton Tower on 120, decibel two.
01:13Approach.
01:17Luton Tower, Gulf 44 Bravo.
01:20Four miles to go, sir.
01:22Luton Tower, Gulf 44 Bravo.
01:24Outer marker inbound, over.
01:26Roger, Gulf 44 Bravo.
01:28Clear to land, runway 26.
01:30Surface wind zero, one zero at five.
01:33Visibility, two kilometers.
01:35Cloud base, 300 feet.
01:36QFE is one zero zero six.
01:39There's a middle marker.
01:41Three quarter miles from the wave.
01:42Palacio.
01:43Golf 44 Bravo.
01:44We have visual contact.
01:45There's a middle marker.
01:46Three quarter miles from the wave.
01:48Palacio.
01:49Golf 44 Bravo.
01:50We have visual contact.
01:51Palacio.
01:52There's a middle marker.
01:53There's a middle marker.
01:54There's a middle marker.
01:55There's a middle marker.
01:56There's a middle marker.
01:57There's a middle marker.
01:58There's a middle marker.
01:59There's a middle marker.
02:00There's a middle marker.
02:01There's a middle marker.
02:02There's a middle marker.
02:03There's a middle marker.
02:04There's a middle marker.
02:05There's a middle marker.
02:06There's a middle marker.
02:07There's a middle marker.
02:08There's a middle marker.
02:09There's a middle marker.
02:10There's a middle marker.
02:11There's a middle marker.
02:12There's a middle marker.
02:13There's a middle marker.
02:14There's a middle marker.
02:15There's a middle marker.
02:16There's a middle marker.
02:17There's a middle marker.
02:18There's a middle marker.
02:19Captain Rolf has just landed, sir.
02:49I see he used to be a senior captain.
03:07He still is a senior captain.
03:10No, no, I mean on the big stuff.
03:13And I was with the charter company. What happened?
03:16He was the wrong age for retraining on Jumbos.
03:19So if he took his redundancy pay and got another job?
03:22Quite a lot of them in that age group did the same thing.
03:25Money in the bank, I suppose.
03:27Didn't notice when he had his last medical.
03:30About six weeks ago.
03:32You know a lot about him.
03:34He's a friend.
03:36Of long standing?
03:37Yes.
03:38Is that why you don't like this, Mr. Warner?
03:40I think it's unnecessary.
03:42Captain Rolf is a careful, conscientious pilot with 20,000 flying hours to his credit.
03:48His report can't be discounted.
03:50Well, I agree, absolutely.
03:52But it's a matter of convincing the Germans, isn't it?
03:55Okay, I'll see you on the road starting.
03:58All right, sir.
04:04Come in.
04:07Ah, Hamish, I'm sorry to drag her up here at this time of night.
04:10This is Mr. Samuels, Air Safety Division.
04:12Captain Rolf.
04:13Pleased to meet you, Captain.
04:14How do you do?
04:15Take a seat, Hamish.
04:17Like some coffee?
04:19Oh, no, thanks.
04:20I seem to have had nothing else for the past two hours.
04:23Did you have a good trip, Captain?
04:25No different from usual.
04:27Nobody buzzed you this time, eh?
04:29Is that what this is about?
04:31We've had a report from Hamburg.
04:33Well, look, I had an hour with the ATC there this evening.
04:37I couldn't tell them anything, by the way.
04:38Well, you don't mind if we just run through it once again?
04:41Well, actually, I do, rather.
04:43I've had a long spell on duty, and I've got 48 hours off now.
04:46For my benefit, Captain.
04:48You see, the Germans don't accept it.
04:49Yes, I know, but there's nothing I can do about that.
04:51At that time, they say there was nothing within eight miles of you.
04:55Well, officially, no, that's obvious.
04:57Unofficially?
04:58Well, a cowboy flying without lights through a controlled zone.
05:01It wasn't detected on their radar.
05:04Well, I don't know.
05:06It's possible we masked it.
05:08Yes.
05:09You were on the same course.
05:10Airway Blue One.
05:12I just reported passing the Umstelt NDB.
05:20So you were still key to Hamburg departure control?
05:23Yes.
05:24Go on, please.
05:25It was a minute or so after that.
05:28We were climbing to 15,000 with a set height.
05:32My first officer made some sort of joke.
05:38Er, something to do with the weather, I think.
05:40I can't remember.
05:42Well, this must be what they used to call a bomber's moon, sir.
05:48Say again.
05:49Well, you can see everything down there.
05:51What?
05:52What?
05:53What the hell?
05:54What a bloody mad bastard.
05:55What an aircraft?
05:56Didn't you see it?
05:57By God, he was climbing right into us.
05:58What was it?
05:59Are you okay, sir?
06:00Er, yes, I didn't see it properly.
06:01Hadn't we better inform Hamburg, sir?
06:02Yes.
06:03Will you see how the passengers are, Mr. Father?
06:04Right, sir.
06:05Hamburg.
06:06Golf 44 Brown.
06:07Unidentified aircraft without navigation lights.
06:08At flight level 147.
06:09Repeat 147.
06:10Over.
06:11Roger, Golf 44 Bravo.
06:12Maintain your flight course.
06:13Hello, sir.
06:14I'm sorry.
06:15I'm sorry.
06:16I'm sorry.
06:17I'm sorry.
06:18No.
06:19No.
06:20No.
06:21No.
06:22No.
06:23No.
06:24No.
06:25No.
06:26No.
06:27No.
06:28No.
06:29No.
06:30No.
06:31No.
06:32No.
06:33No.
06:34No.
06:35No.
06:36No.
06:37No.
06:38No.
06:39No.
06:40No.
06:41No.
06:42No.
06:43No.
06:44No.
06:45No.
06:46No.
06:47No.
06:48No.
06:49No.
06:50No.
06:51No.
06:52No.
06:53No.
06:54No.
06:55No.
06:56No.
06:57No.
06:58No.
06:59No.
07:00No.
07:01No.
07:02No.
07:03No.
07:04No.
07:05No.
07:06No.
07:07Mounted engines no I think the four entrance props I couldn't make out any
07:17markings we are checking into it you're lucky night day
07:23lucky night I can't believe he hadn't hit us all right thank you so it's two
07:29less reports everything's all right back there so one or two bruises that's all
07:32no good cruise power mr. Follett miss Patrick
07:39she told him we hit an air pocket
07:45you know I don't suppose any of them saw it as far as we're aware you were the
07:50only person who saw it Captain Rolf yes I'd seen unless the other pilot but you
07:56say he was slightly ahead of you and climbing on a collision course well he
08:01should have seen us his return because we passed right above it you see everyone's
08:06prepared to admit that near misses of this sort in controlled airspace are not
08:10only more just a remote possibility there have been too many reported incidents
08:14over the past two years oh well isn't it about time something was done about it
08:18that's why we make these investigations well I can't really add anything else to
08:24what I've already said well I didn't I didn't see anything no that's a pity the
08:28trouble is one usually has the reports of both pilots to go on is he saying he
08:33didn't see anything he didn't say anything the Germans are saying but
08:39there's no record of another aircraft in the vicinity well in other words a cock up
08:43in their ground control it's a possibility well what else not that I'm sure they
08:47will be the first to admit it once all the facts are known what facts there must be an
08:51aircraft there but they don't deny it they simply can't trace it it's a pity you
08:56didn't see this other plane more clearly well next time I'm within a
09:00microsecond of a collision I must remember to take a photograph no one's
09:06denying you handled the situation admirably captain of course well we'll
09:13have to ask Hamburg to go on checking it's possible they might still turn
09:16something up depends how hard they look they're very thorough people you know
09:20anyhow I'm much obliged to captain are we finished sorry to delayed you if we do learn
09:29anything of course you'll be informed thank you alright good night captain um dinner tomorrow
09:37Ross said to remind you ah I'm putting the car in for service oh I can pick you up oh I know seems a lot of
09:47trouble no sweat old man she said I hadn't to take no for an answer oh wants to
09:51see you well I surrender only possible thing to do I'll pop round about soon
09:57nice chat I think sir is he married his wife died two weeks ago they've been married over 20 years
10:13I see no he hides his feelings is that a good thing sometimes I wonder if that isn't one of our national
10:21failings the psychiatrists tell us there's a lot to be said for the wailing and threshing of limbs
10:27continental fashion is he any kid well oh a married daughter and she's looking after I suppose she's
10:35in Africa she and her husband run a mission out there religious eh hmm is Captain Rolf religious
10:40well no I didn't know he isn't why help sometimes if one can get the background how does it help well
10:47the more one knows about a chap of course the palace don't like it intrusion you're not suggesting
10:54that Captain Rolf invented the whole thing I'm not but the Germans seem to have that idea after all
11:01there are only two possibilities either he's wrong or they are what's your opinion I've only just begun my
11:09inquiry if they're suggesting he jeopardize his aircraft and the lives of his passengers because of
11:14some optical illusion well then they're talking through their bratwurst you think I should tell
11:22them they why not good night mr. Morley
11:52evening Frank doors open don't make me come down
11:56right
11:56wouldn't you like me to get Raz to help you with this I thought it was a ten minute job till I started
12:17yes what are you going to do with them well Oxfam take this sort of thing don't they well someone
12:22would make you an offer well Portobello Road you mean oh I don't fancy the idea
12:28I had to fashion for a first-year divinity student
12:33you know you should get away for a while Hamish take some leave
12:40oh why do you say that well just as you've had a bit of a hard time lately that's all do you good
12:46no I'm perfectly all right just you're not sitting on my jacket by any sort of thing no no
12:50I don't know it sorry
12:53it's kind of Ross to invite me no confidence in the chap's ability to cook for himself
13:02this journey was the same I remember when I was on the Joburg run
13:06she used to be up at dawn to make sure I had a good Scottish breakfast lying uneasily under my
13:11third button what is a Scotch breakfast well in Jenny's case it was normally
13:15porridge and a fry-up and some tatty scones with marmalade
13:21hmm do you think Ross would like any of this what is it well she called it her
13:27quote to jewelry oh good god man you can't give that away
13:30what about Moira offered it doesn't want it personal adornment you see
13:38hmm well she wrote saying that all she wanted was her mother's eternity ring as a keepsake
13:42she's no fool it's the only decent thing Jenny had
13:47aren't you being a little hard on her
13:49she could have come to the funeral Frank it's not that far
13:52well
13:52I offered it a fair you know
13:54but she said she'd be with me in spirit
13:57well she should have been with me in that bloody car
14:00I'm sure she would have been but with it happening so quickly
14:04I can't spend every day dunking blacks in the upper Zambisi
14:07look I'll bring it along and might be something she fancies
14:12did you enjoy that then Hamish
14:16I thought it was absolutely delicious
14:18look Frank aren't they pretty
14:21hmm what happened
14:22I don't think I could really wear them Hamish my ears aren't pierced
14:25but thank you
14:26oh remember I had one of these Frank
14:30yes sir you did
14:32oh what is it
14:32it's one of those brooches the RAF lads used to make out of bits of perspex
14:36oh
14:38I didn't know she kept that
14:40did you with her
14:41no I think she got that from David
14:44David
14:45oh yes
14:47remember all those Spitfire brooches they used to make out of pennies
14:50it's not to mention that the Spitfires they made out of cigarette lighters
14:54that hoary old joke comes from mixing with too many Battle of Britain types
14:57I remember when I was a first officer
14:59I used to laugh at it regularly otherwise I didn't get a chance to do a landing
15:03I know
15:04oh Randy
15:06fine thanks
15:07how about you darling a cure
15:09I think I'll just clear these things away first
15:11poor Hamish
15:14strange isn't it about those wartime heroes
15:18how do you mean strange
15:20well I mean
15:22we were at school then
15:24and they were just
15:24heroes to us weren't they
15:26I remember I was in the school ATC
15:28oh me too
15:29thank you
15:30and ideally didn't get my retreat
15:32because I spent so much time with aircraft recognition
15:34so I knew them all
15:36Dorniers, Heinkels, Messerschmitts
15:39as well as Iron Spits and Hurries
15:42Typhoons, Moskitos
15:44I'll leave you two to it
15:46I'll go make some more coffee
15:48I kept a diary during the war
15:50how many of ours and how many of theirs were shot down
15:53and yet today
15:56those same chats we hero worshipped
15:59they are the ones we spend our time kicking against and sucking up to
16:02they're the ones with the top jobs and the power while we've
16:05that's all very odd
16:10it's just a question of seniority
16:11promotion
16:12our turn will come
16:14yours might
16:15my bruster
16:15glorified bus driver
16:18not so glorified come to think of it
16:21what sort of a screw do you think
16:24a chap like Samuels makes
16:25oh I see
16:26I was wondering what has sparked this off
16:28not really
16:28just
16:30typified it
16:31couldn't you feel the contempt and complacency
16:35oh I think you're exaggerating
16:36maybe
16:37maybe
16:39Stolten it's there
16:40and I've no doubt he feels perfectly justified
16:41because he's an ex-squadron leader
16:43DFC and Barr no doubt
16:45there's a trouble with the whole airline business today
16:49we were born at the wrong time Frank
16:52strange what a difference a couple of years can make
16:57you mean because the war was inconsiderate enough to stop just before we joined the rare
17:01that we were denied the chance to prove ourselves
17:04something like that is
17:07no it's just a job Hamish
17:08the romance went out of flying in Amy Johnson's day
17:11maybe I should have been more like you
17:12snapping up the first ground job that was offered
17:15oh if you want a ground job I might wangle something
17:17oh what have you in mind
17:20driving a fuel buzzer
17:23luggage porter
17:24I just thought
17:24nothing wrong with me you know
17:25well who said there is
17:27all these heavy suggestions about
17:29taking a rest
17:31what did Samuel say about me
17:35Samuel
17:35oh come on I can put two and two together
17:38it's nothing to do with Samuels
17:39in fact he's supporting you
17:41speak of him
17:43just a damn touchy Hamish
17:45we only want to help you
17:46oh come on have another drink
17:48no thanks
17:52it's time I was going anyway
17:54oh I'll get the car
17:55no I'd rather walk
17:56you're sure
17:57look Frank
18:00you don't have to take me home
18:02you don't have to tuck me up in bed
18:03and you don't have to
18:06feed me with calf's foot jelly
18:08all right
18:09if you say so
18:12I might just say goodnight to Ross
18:17I'm still a better pilot than those
18:22computer mechanics they're hiring today
18:25time off Ross
18:31oh hey
18:32aren't you going to stay and have some more coffee
18:34er no I'm feeling a bit tired
18:37well at least
18:38thank you for loving you
18:39goodnight
18:42goodnight
18:44what was all that about
18:51I suppose neither of us has realised
18:55how hard it's hit him
18:56Jenny's death
18:58you'd think
19:00well I suppose even an unhappy marriage
19:03is still a marriage
19:03and when he's over
19:05what is that
19:06oh
19:07he's left all these things of hers
19:09wants you to have them
19:10when he's clearing the decks
19:12you put your foot in it
19:16yes I know
19:17do you think he noticed
19:17yes of course he noticed
19:19I'd only completely forgotten
19:20about Jenny being married before
19:21I mean David
19:22it was just a name to me
19:23for the moment
19:23I don't think Hamish
19:24ever forgot it
19:25oh surely
19:26how long did it last
19:28it was about six months
19:29before he was killed
19:30yes on a bombing mission
19:31out east
19:32well that's what I mean
19:33it was only a wartime thing
19:35wartime things
19:37were the big romances
19:38Frank
19:38you ought to know that
19:39it hardly seems fair
19:41all the same
19:41six months against
19:43twenty years
19:44I don't think the rules of cricket
19:46really apply to marriage
19:47darling
19:47it could be a much more
19:48destructive game than that
19:49poor Hamish
19:51he was always second best
19:53oh isn't that rather
19:55a woman's magazine idea
19:56yes I suppose so
19:57but she was that sort of woman
19:58I think that was really
20:00the problem between them
20:01except Hamish could never
20:02see it
20:03he loved her
20:04yes I suppose he must have done
20:07what an aircraft
20:12what did you see it
20:13I got you with clarity
20:14right into us
20:15what was it
20:17new course skipper
20:19214 magnetic
20:22hey
20:23love
20:27no
20:27no
20:29love
20:29no
20:30no
20:31no
20:33no
20:34no
20:34no
20:35no
20:36no
20:36no
20:37no
20:37no
20:38no
20:39no
20:39плюс
20:40no
20:40no
20:41no
20:41no
20:42no
20:42no
20:43no
20:44milestones
20:44in
20:45no
20:46何
20:47no
20:47no
20:48no
20:48yes
20:48no
20:49I can't believe we still had this on the swears, I could feel them, night fighters, keep your eyes peeled chaps
21:19New call skipper, 2-1 full magnetic, take us to south edge
21:49Here we go
22:39Brian?
22:40Hello?
22:50Boyden 391.
22:52You're speaking.
22:54Oh hello.
22:56No, it's not early for me.
22:59What happened?
23:03Have they?
23:05Oh, did they?
23:07Well, aren't they a magnanimous bunch of bastards?
23:09A DC-8?
23:11A Dutch plane, on a training flight. Apparently it was miles off course.
23:14It must have been.
23:16Anyway, the Germans are quite satisfied it was the plane you saw.
23:19They're eating humble sauerkraut and blaming the Dutch.
23:22Samuel says there's a hell of a row going on.
23:24I bet there is, yes.
23:26So, that's all right then, isn't it?
23:29What do you mean, I'm in the clear?
23:30Absolutely.
23:31I thought I'd come straight round and tell you.
23:33Oh, and, er, bring you this.
23:35Rosnicta bracelet, I believe.
23:37Oh, good.
23:38Yes, it's fine.
23:46You know, Frank.
23:48What?
23:50Oh, it's nothing now, but...
23:52Everyone was so damn certain there was no plane,
23:54I was beginning to wonder myself if there was one.
23:56Well, that's natural enough.
23:59No, I mean that I imagined it.
24:01But you didn't, did you?
24:04No.
24:05So, forget it.
24:07No, it's just that...
24:10Anyway.
24:13A DC-8, eh?
24:14That's right.
24:15And they're absolutely certain?
24:17Well, of course they're certain.
24:19Samuels is sending me over a special copy of the report.
24:21You can see it, if you like.
24:22No, no, no, no, no.
24:23Perfectly all right.
24:26What a lovely morning.
24:28Yes, at the moment.
24:29The forecast is there's a nasty patch of filth on the way.
24:33Have you ever heard of a place called South Edge, Frank?
24:35Which is an old bomber station?
24:37No, can't say I have.
24:39Why?
24:40Whyton 765.
24:50Speaking.
24:52Oh, good morning, Captain Driscoll.
24:55Hamburg, this afternoon.
24:57Oh, couldn't you...
24:59No, it's just that...
25:00It's my rest day, is all.
25:03No, no, no.
25:04I have no particular objection.
25:07All right, yes, I'll wait to hear from you.
25:15Seems I'm indispensable.
25:36Boyton 391, please.
25:50Ros, it's me.
25:52I may be working a bit late.
25:54No, it's just the usual.
25:56No, you do that.
25:57Give them my love.
25:59Listen, Ros.
26:01You don't remember where Jenny's first husband was stationed
26:03before he went out east.
26:06Oh, no, of course not.
26:07I just thought she might have mentioned a name at some time.
26:10I see.
26:12Well, it's not important.
26:15Hmm.
26:16I'll pick her up there, shall I?
26:18Fine.
26:19Bye.
26:23Yes?
26:24Mr Samuels is here, sir.
26:26Right, send him in, will you?
26:33Sorry to be so late.
26:35I had a meeting over at Manston, which took all afternoon.
26:37Not another unidentified aircraft?
26:39No, no.
26:40Much more mundane.
26:42Recommended tire presses in relation to landing speeds.
26:45You finished with the report?
26:47Yes, thank you.
26:48They did a very thorough job, the Germans.
26:51Did you discuss it with Captain Rolf?
26:53No.
26:54I told him the main findings.
26:55He wasn't interested in the details.
26:57I think he'd rather forget the whole incident.
26:59Best thing.
27:01Anyway, I'm glad it was all cleared up.
27:03I hope Captain Rolf didn't think...
27:06We have a certain method of inquiry.
27:08Oh, quite. No, no. I'm sure he understood your problem.
27:11Is there anything else, Mr Worley?
27:13What?
27:14Oh, Linda, just this.
27:17Sorry to have kept you. Good night.
27:19Good night, then.
27:20Oh, Mr Hutchins rang you. He's going to ring again tomorrow.
27:25No message.
27:26Only that he could find no record of South Edge airfield.
27:29He checked back to 1939.
27:32Well, I should think that's far enough.
27:33Thank you. Good night.
27:34Good night.
27:35Good night.
27:37Delving into history?
27:38No, not really. It was just something I was curious about.
27:41What was that about South Edge?
27:43Well, someone was saying the other day that it used to be a bomber field and I couldn't remember it so I thought I'd check.
27:48Your friend was right.
27:50Not according to our military historian.
27:53South Edge was the wireless code name for Mottisham.
27:57I flew for it.
28:00You were in the raft?
28:01I was a squadron leader.
28:03Really?
28:04Well, I'll go and get a bite to eat and make tracks for town.
28:09I still have an awful lot of paperwork to get through.
28:11That report.
28:13There was just one thing I couldn't quite understand.
28:16Oh?
28:17The flight path of that DC-8.
28:19The nearest point it reached to Rolf's plane was 15 miles.
28:23I'm sure it can be explained.
28:24Very simply.
28:26That was the projected course given by the pilot.
28:29The actual course could only be verified by ground radar.
28:32And as we know for some reason it wasn't plotted.
28:35Yes, of course.
28:36Obviously he drifted much further west.
28:37The other thing is that, well,
28:40when he spoke to Hamburg Ground Control just after it happened,
28:44Captain Rolf said that he thought it was a piston engine plane.
28:47The DC-8 is a jet.
28:49He said himself he didn't see it clearly.
28:51He did say it had four engines.
28:55True.
28:57Well, anyway, as long as the experts are happy.
29:00Aren't you?
29:01You were defending him to me yesterday.
29:03I still am.
29:05I'm quite sure you're right.
29:06It's absurd of me to attach any significance to it.
29:09Only that he did seem surprised it was a DC-8.
29:13But I think if we were to suggest to Hamburg
29:16there was another intruder in the area,
29:17we'd get a very dusty answer.
29:20Of course.
29:22Domestic supplies off.
29:24Domestic supplies off.
29:26Check.
29:27Beacon lamp on.
29:29Beacon lamp on.
29:30Your checks complete, Mr Armstrong?
29:31All correct.
29:32Ready for start-up, sir.
29:34Good. Thank you.
29:35Have you, sir?
29:36Please.
29:41Hang on in.
29:42Hamburg ground.
29:43Call 44 Bravo.
29:44Request start-up clearance.
29:47Roger, go 44 Bravo.
29:49Clear to start your engines.
29:53Now breaks.
29:54Brakes applied.
29:56Check.
29:57Pressure.
29:58The captain to ground, clear to start.
30:07Right, start four.
30:23Forerunning.
30:29Start three.
30:38Three running.
30:44How would you like to try a night take-off, Mr. Farad?
30:48Fine, sir.
30:52Thought you'd never ask.
30:54All right.
30:57Start two.
31:02Now, you know our all-up weight. Which runway do you want?
31:06I should think two threes.
31:09That's one of my favourites.
31:12Two running.
31:13One running.
31:16And start one.
31:30One running.
31:32All systems normal.
31:33Ready to Texas, huh?
31:39Captain to ground, remove ground-powered shocks.
31:41Uh, it looks a bit hazy over there. You better check the RVR.
31:54All right, sir.
31:55All right, sir.
31:56Turnback time.
31:57Call 4-4-Bravo.
31:58Request visual range, please, along runway 239.
31:59Call 4-4-Bravo.
32:00You're off.
32:01We are on 239.
32:02Are you ready to taxi?
32:03Call 4-4-Bravo.
32:04Call 4-4-Bravo.
32:05Call 4-4-Bravo.
32:06You're off.
32:07We are on 239.
32:08It's now 1,000 meters.
32:10Are you ready to taxi?
32:15Call 4-4-Bravo affirmative.
32:16Request taxi clearance from runway 239.
32:19Okay.
32:20Call 4-4-Bravo.
32:21You're cleared to move to runway 239.
32:23Call at the end of runway for incoming traffic.
32:28Call 4-4-Bravo.
32:29Brake's off.
32:48Wall here.
32:50Oh, hello, Ros.
32:51Stupid of me. Of course I remember about David.
32:54He did his training in Canada, and they sent him to Scotland when he got back.
32:58Jenny went up there to be with him.
32:59Then they sent him out east.
33:01As far as you know, he was never at a base called Mottisham.
33:05Where's that?
33:06East Anglia?
33:08No, I'm sure he was never there.
33:10Why? Did Hamish say something?
33:12No, not really.
33:13It's just me being a bit stupid.
33:15Look, forget it.
33:17I'll pick you up later, hmm?
33:19Fine.
33:20Bye.
33:29Would you like to order a drink, sir?
33:44Good evening, Mr. Shaw. I didn't see you come before.
33:49I'm not surprised. I thought I'd call her up there.
33:51They're going to a football match.
33:53Oh, I gather.
33:54Well, it brightens things up a bit, doesn't it?
33:55The sugar!
33:56I'm schnelling.
33:58You are English?
33:59Yeah, yes. Arbashaw.
34:02Herr Shaw.
34:02This is Hilbert.
34:04This is my good friend, Trump.
34:06The sugar!
34:06No, thank you.
34:08Oh, it's very good for you.
34:09But I don't drink.
34:10Please, we have plenty.
34:12Well, just a little then, thank you.
34:16Mmm.
34:17Good, yeah?
34:18Oh, excellent.
34:19Thanks.
34:19More, come on.
34:20We are coming to England to meet you.
34:23I shouldn't be too sure.
34:24Excuse me, please.
34:26Come on.
34:36Over, VESA at 2235.
34:40So, shall I do it?
34:40Please.
34:42Go for four, bravo.
34:44VESA at 35.
34:47Flight level at 150.
34:50ETA dogger at 2300.
34:52Over.
34:52Go for four, bravo.
34:56I'm okay for autopilot.
35:00All righty.
35:11The old cloud's thickening up, sir.
35:15Solid Q-nim all the way now.
35:23Skipper!
35:25Flagship ahead!
35:26Should I have us some coffee, sir?
35:35Yes, yes, if you like.
35:41Hello, sir.
35:42Can I have some coffee up here, please?
35:44I just know.
35:45Mike?
35:46Please.
35:47Three, please, sir.
35:56How far are we from dogger?
36:09Um, 40 miles, sir.
36:11I think I'll have a wash.
36:16Trouble?
36:22Trouble?
36:24Needle father, sir.
36:25That's not the first time I've had a fault on their panel.
36:28I've reported it twice, sir.
36:29It's each egg.
36:30Not very thoroughly, apparently.
36:32Seems to be an intermittent defect just on that one circuit, sir.
36:36I'll report it again.
36:37Yes, please do that.
36:42I shall log it on the flight record.
36:43It's in a grouchy mood tonight.
36:50Mm-hmm.
36:52Yeah.
36:54It's funny, it's all sunshine and smiles earlier on, but only has been for weeks.
36:57It's only a bloody amateur.
36:58Oh, that legal job, Mike.
36:59It shouldn't, you know.
37:00It really shouldn't.
37:01If a cut-out sticks for a second, you'll get a surge, won't you?
37:05What do you expect them to do?
37:06Take the whole damn plane apart?
37:08I think this one will lay much longer and fall apart all by itself.
37:21Fisher wins the Championship of Europe this year.
37:24Into Milan beat Hamburg last year, didn't they?
37:26That was the referee.
37:27We should have had two penalties.
37:29Mystic, but?
37:30Oh, yes, right.
37:30We should have had two penalties.
37:32Oh, the Hampton beat into Milan.
37:34Have some schnapps.
37:35Listen, listen.
37:35Carpentry beat balls at Molyneux the other week.
37:38So they're bound to beat your line.
37:39Tomorrow, I think we shall win by two goals to nothing.
37:43You're dreaming 2-0?
37:45Having Carpentry come to Hamburg, we shall win by five goals to nothing.
37:49Your husband's an optimist.
37:51Oh, he's not my husband.
37:52He's my husband over there.
37:54That is right.
37:55But sometimes we swap us, huh?
37:56What are you believing?
37:57Let me go.
37:57Uh, oh, yeah.
37:58Let's go.
38:14Hi.
38:16What do you think?
38:16I don't know.
38:46Is everyone all right?
38:56Yes, sir, they seem to be.
39:02Are they looking after you all right, are they?
39:04Well, we should be at Luton.
39:10Bill's on his way back to give you a hand.
39:16It's all right. There's nothing to worry about.
39:26Everybody's seatbelts, please.
39:30What happened?
39:32I think the Luton pilot dozed off, sir.
39:34What?
39:35We seem to have a major systems failure, sir.
39:39What's the score, Mr. Armstrong?
39:40Cross number one buzz buzz.
39:42Number two is okay now.
39:43Any other damage?
39:46We're short of radio fire, sir.
39:48ADF's packed up, sir.
39:50Yes.
39:51The compass is all right.
39:52Number one and two, check all the standby, sir.
39:54They're back on course, sir.
39:56Right, I have control.
39:59Check the VOR.
40:04Dead, sir.
40:05Try the comm frequency.
40:10London Control, London Control, this is Golf 44 Bravo.
40:13How do you read me, Ola?
40:16London Control, this is Golf 44 Bravo.
40:19Do you read me, Ola?
40:22Not a buddy chirrup, sir.
40:23Well, maybe it's transmitting, but not receiving.
40:24So call them every few minutes.
40:25Right, sir.
40:28I can't find anything wrong, sir.
40:30We've lost our ADF signals, and both VOR sets seem to be out of action.
40:33Both of them?
40:34Yes, so you'd better think of something, and rather quickly.
40:37I understand.
40:38Well, it must be something electrical, Mike, surely.
40:40Take a ground to wear missiles and knock out everything like that.
40:43London Control, Golf 44 Bravo.
40:45Do you read me, Ola?
40:46Wally.
40:52Wally.
40:56Lost contact?
40:58At what time should he have reported?
41:01Right, I'll come over.
41:10Wally here.
41:11I want to pay to the restaurant, Mr. Samuels.
41:13I shall be in the control tower.
41:16You seem to be in a bit of trouble, sir.
41:24Try flying a reciprocal, Barry.
41:26Well, back to Germany.
41:27This weather would be going with us.
41:29We can get ahead of it, sir.
41:31No, Luton's care.
41:36The, uh,
41:38cloud base at Luton, sir, was
41:391,500 feet, visibility down to 500 meters.
41:42Oh, that sounds possible.
41:44Well, we weren't flying blind.
41:46It would be safer if we turned back, sir.
41:49No, I don't agree.
41:50Without RadioCom, I'd rather stick to the flight plan.
42:00If we turn back, sir,
42:01we might be able to get a visual bearing.
42:03Well, that's what I intend to do.
42:06Either we get below this weather,
42:07or else we try and climb above it
42:08and get a national fix.
42:09Well, I'd prefer to go below it.
42:10We'll have your rights, sir.
42:18Chuck!
42:19Huh?
42:19Can you do something about that elevator?
42:22It's handling like a brick.
42:26Not a thing.
42:27The fire's welded the cables.
42:32Someone's got a flavor on the right.
42:34Keep your eyes peeled, chaps.
42:392-1-4 magnetic, skipper.
42:42Take us to south edge.
42:45Got you.
42:48Ah, you better be right, Bill.
42:51It's a straight line to the bacon and eggs, old man.
42:54Um, 2-1-4 degrees, sir.
42:58How far, of course, would you say we are?
43:00Not more than a mile, sir.
43:02But you've just turned us through 15 degrees.
43:06Well, maybe we're not.
43:09Flying us blind, as you think.
43:12How's the ADF, nurse?
43:18Still dead.
43:19Oh, hell.
43:22I can't figure this at all.
43:24It's just not possible.
43:27We're having the plot relayed from West Drayton.
43:31He must be miles off course.
43:33On his present course, he'll cross the coast somewhere near Cromer.
43:37Are you sure it's the right aircraft?
43:39Quite sure.
43:40They picked up the Echo seven miles west of Dogger.
43:42Well, that means he's got a radio breakdown.
43:44He's flying blind.
43:45It's the worst possible night for it, too.
43:48We've got to contact him somehow.
43:50Try the radio again.
43:51Flyway Charters, Golf 4-4 Bravo.
43:57This is Luton Approach.
43:58Over.
44:01Golf 4-4 Bravo.
44:03Do you read?
44:04Over.
44:04I think he's losing height.
44:09We're losing altitude, John.
44:11Both port engines on course pitch.
44:14Aye.
44:15I can hear them.
44:19We may have to ditch, chaps.
44:21That's all we had.
44:25My feet are getting wet.
44:30Come on, Popsie, old girl.
44:32You can make it.
44:33Come on.
44:33Come on.
44:33Who the hell's that?
44:47It's Humphrey, Skip.
44:49He's full of morphine.
44:50Shut him up, for God's sake.
44:51It's bad enough trying to fly this crate without that brawl.
44:56He'll shut up soon, Skip.
44:57He's got no legs left.
44:59I think that's the coast of Ed Narsky.
45:10Yes, it is.
45:12We should be about Woodbridge by now, sir.
45:16We're over the coast, then.
45:18Perhaps.
45:18Luton Approach.
45:25Luton Approach.
45:26This is Golf 44 Bravo, inbound from Hamburg.
45:30Flight level 7-0.
45:33Estimated repeat.
45:34Estimated position.
45:35Woodbridge.
45:36We are not receiving signals.
45:39What's the forecast QFE for Luton?
45:42Uh, 1-0-0-4, sir.
45:44Must try and get under this cloud.
45:46Ladies and gentlemen, we were short to be landing at Luton.
45:53Would you fasten your seatbelts, please, and extinguish your cigarettes?
45:56Flyaway charters.
45:57Hope you've enjoyed your journey.
46:03It's funny.
46:04They usually tell you what the weather's like.
46:06In England, it is rain all the time.
46:08Oh, be fair.
46:09Once.
46:10Once.
46:11I'll pardon me.
46:11It looks foggy out there.
46:13In England, it is foggy every day.
46:15Oh, don't believe everything you hear.
46:19Seatbelts have anybody your seatbelt, Mr. Shaw.
46:21Oh, sorry.
46:22They don't like to lose their regular customers, you know.
46:24In this, yeah.
46:27We're just about out of fuel, John.
46:30Aye, sir.
46:32I'm never afraid the CO2's gone for a mufton.
46:34What?
46:35There's a whole size of half a cloud in it.
46:37Must be nutshell.
46:38So how do we get the undercard down?
46:41With no hydraulics?
46:43Belly lighting, sir.
46:45Can I get out now, please, sir?
46:49Aye, haggis.
46:50Where did you last see half a crew?
46:52Oh, give that rest.
46:53All right, you tight.
46:54You just cut the track.
46:55Down to 3,000, sir.
46:56So I'm going down to 1,500.
47:00Uh, Skip?
47:01Yeah?
47:01Kiwi.
47:03Humpy's headed, Skip.
47:04He's gone cold.
47:04Oh, no.
47:08Poor old Hum.
47:11You almost made it.
47:13He's too low.
47:15He's much too low.
47:18Two, three.
47:22Two, two.
47:25Two, one.
47:28I think it's thinning.
47:302,000 feet, sir.
47:31Runway lights ahead, Skip.
47:34Don, come out of the tail.
47:35Okie dokie.
47:40I'm putting her straight down.
47:42Hang on, chaps.
47:44And let's hope to Christ there's nothing on the runway.
47:461, 7, 1, 6, 1, 4, 1, 3.
48:08Oh, my God.
48:27He's done.
48:302,000, 6, 1, 5, 6, 1, 4, 2, 1, 4.
48:323,000, 6, 1, 5, 6, 1, 5, 6, 1, 6, 1, 6, 1, 6, 1, 6, 1, 6, 1, 6, 1, 7, 8, 9, 10, 9, 11, 7, 7, 11, 7, 11, 12, 11, 12, 11,kelt.
48:36Query, it should have happened here.
48:49It's right where the old runway used to be.
48:52Do you remember it?
48:53Portage Manfield was a very busy place.
48:55Two squadrons of Lancasters here.
48:57You wouldn't think so now.
49:00No.
49:01All gone.
49:03Yes.
49:04Yes, it's all gone, isn't it?
49:06Yes, it's all gone.
49:37Someone's got a flavour on the right.
49:39Keep your eyes peeled, Jabs.
49:41Both port engines are caught in.
49:44Turn 1-4 magnetic, Skipper.
49:47Take us to south edge.
49:50We've got an edge, Jabs.
49:53Oh, you better be right, Jabs.
49:54What we have?
49:55Like, Pete, there's three lines in a bacon and eggs, old man.
49:58We're shooting, babe.
50:06I'm not going to tend the house near her own jabs.
Comments