Boomerangs and bad weatherStorms delay first planes to McMurdo Station before flights get on schedulePosted August 31, 2012
Late August storms around McMurdo Station A C-17 Globemaster III The first flight, which carried 128 passengers, attempted to land as early as Aug. 20 before returning to Christchurch because of bad weather in McMurdo, turning a five-hour flight into an 11-hour boomerang. Storms continued to rage until Aug. 23, when the first flight finally landed. The second passenger flight was also delayed due to mechanical issues and more poor weather, landing Aug. 27. It was smooth flying after that, with the final four flights arriving on successive days. The last three were mainly cargo flights, carrying everything from mail to fresh fruit and vegetables to equipment used for overland traverses by tractor. The 2012-13 summer field season is scheduled to begin Oct. 1. [See previous article — Open season: Winter flights scheduled to begin Aug. 20 as McMurdo prepares for summer fieldwork.] |
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