Just came across this message board today so this post is a few years after the original conversation. I was stationed at Takhli RTAFB from January 4, 1968 through December 23, 1968. I was assigned to the A&E Squadron Instrument Shop (AFSC 32551). I remember that horrific tragedy well considering it was 50 years ago now. I was sitting in the Nav seat of 491 (I didn’t remember the tail number though) when it happened. The EB66 was problematic in a lot of ways and especially when trimming the engines. Often the problem was not just an engine problem but an instrument problem. So, when an instrument problem was suspected, the engine mechanics would contact maintenance control and call for an instrument guy. We were so understaffed it often took hours to get someone down there. In an amazing display of efficiency, it was decided that when an EB66 was on the trim pad, an instrument guy was also assigned to be there. So, there I was, sitting in the NAV seat…doing nothing when I heard the loud bang which turned out to be the compressor stall of the left engine. It didn’t take long to figure out what had happened. The engine mechanic called either the tower or maintenance control for an ambulance. In a few minutes, there were many vehicles on the scene. I never saw Airman McLean or looked in the engine and looking back on it now am glad I didn’t. I have a lot of memories from my year at Takhil and this stands out as the most vivid. I was back down at the trim pad the next shift and yes, there were the intake screens…too little, too late.could any one shead light on this.
thanks
dan mortensen