After the emergency night landing at Bluie West #1, and a couple more days delay for aircraft repair, we departed for Iceland. We were flying at an altitude just over 20,000 ft when the weather started to turn sour. It wasn't long before we encountered a huge black thunder head. It was to high to go over or around. While considering the challenge confronting us we lost our central oxygen supply. Our pilot let down to 18,000 ft while the crew was gathering walk around oxygen bottles for the pilot, co-pilot and navigator. The rest of us stretched out on the floor and relaxed. Breathing was a little difficult but manageable. Our navigator would take a look at me every few minutes and say "Bill, you are turning blue again" and hand me his mask for a few deep breaths. On clearing the storm area we dropped down to about 10,000 ft to complete the trip. Boy, did I have a headache!
I really think the crossing events were more challenging than the missions I flew.
I really think the crossing events were more challenging than the missions I flew.