Hercules 63-7789 stolen from Mildenhall 1969

[viking9]

I've just come across a photo of 63-7789 in the book "Lockheed C-130 Hercules" by Peter C. Smith. The caption contains a brief reference to it having been stolen from Mildenhall on 23 May 1969 and crashed into the sea off Alderney.

Anyone on here remember the incident or have any further details?

Tom

[DaveReid]

I've just come across a photo of 63-7789 in the book "Lockheed C-130 Hercules" by Peter C. Smith. The caption contains a brief reference to it having been stolen from Mildenhall on 23 May 1969 and crashed into the sea off Alderney.

Anyone on here remember the incident or have any further details?

I don't recall it at the time, but a quick Google brought up these links:

www.theshipwreckproject.com/phpBB3/download/file.php?id=101&mode=view

www.theshipwreckproject.com/phpBB3/download/file.php?id=102&mode=view

There are lots of reports, none confirmed, that the C-130 was in fact brought down by USAF F-100s.

[viking9]

Thank you for those links, Dave.

It's an amazing story. I have many more flying hours than he had but I wouldn't attempt what he did even if authorized to do so!

[abrad41]

Hi Tom/Dave

Working at EGUN I have heard story's about a Crew Chief who stole a plane from Mildenhall, (Cant remember if it was a C-130 or KC-135) But the story goes he was shot down over the atlantic trying to get home.

Andy

[Roadrunner]

I had just started to visit Mildenhall soon after this incident took place. I can remember the local view was that the aircraft was shot down by F100's but I can imagine the USAF would not want that to be the "official" reported outcome, especially as a life was lost.

Mike

[stephenwalsh]

Hi Tom. I'm working for a TV company on a documentary project about the incident involving the C-130 Hercules 'stolen' from RAF Mildenhall in 1969.  I've just come across your post from 2010. I'm keen to speak to you to see if you managed to find out more. I wonder if you're still there, and would be happy to have a chat with me? Please could you email me directly at [email protected]  ?   I hope to hear from you.  Kind regards. Steve Walsh

[Strela17]

Man, I've went and read about that story, it's heartbreaking. Still, the whole stealing a military plane thing is excessive and deserves punishment, but it basically boils down to a newlywed guy who wanted to spend time with his wife. A shame he chose the worst possible way to reunite with her...

[Lesteraction]

Soon after this encounter, I had only begun to frequent Mildenhall. Since a life was lost, I can recall that the local opinion was that the F100s shot down the aircraft. But, I can understand that the USAF would not want it to be the "official" recorded outcome.

[Lesteraction]

I recently came upon a picture of 63-7789 in Peter C. Smith's book "Lockheed C-130 Hercules." A small mention of its theft from Mildenhall on May 23, 1969, and subsequent crash into the water off the coast of Alderney can be found in the caption.