Colorado Aviation Archaeology: News

Return to Stormy Peaks

On Saturday, June 21, 2008, Ron Miller, AvAr field agent and orienteering instructor, conducted a reconnaissance hike up to the Stormy Peaks B-17 crash site. The first return to this site for any Colorado AvAr personnel since June of 2006, Ron's mission was to determine if the steep climb through forest was free of snow. (Also, after a long winter's hibernation, he simply needed to get out and climb.) His report was positive and a "long planned" team effort - with special support - was cleared for the following weekend.

After a well coordinated operation to bring several factions together from across the state, our team launched from the 9,000' MSL trailhead for the crash site at 10, 277' MSL, just 1.7 miles away. An hour and a half later, the site was reached.

This mission had two prime objectives: first, determine the functional status of one particular engine remaining in the debris field; second, complete a debris field evaluation and survey for the USFS. Both were accomplished by 13:30 hours, and the return trek was begun. All told, AvAr assets expended approximately 61.0 hours on this expedition (06/27/08).

The team consisted of:

3 certificated AvAr field agents (Matt Hensarling, Ron Miller, Brian Richardson)
1 U.S. Air Force accident investigator (Maj. Ivan Pupillidy, USAFR [ along with a German Shepherd, unwitttingly used as bear-bait ])
1 USFS Archaeologist (Dr. Nicole Branton, North Zone Archaeologist,
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, and Pawnee National Grassland)
1 FAA Accident Investigator (Dale Shuel)
1 guest (Eric Drye)

AvAr's official report to the USFS concerning this file (Project Number 0601-CS) will be posted later this year.

June work at Jimmy Camp B-24D site catalogs over 75 artifacts..

During the June field work at the B-24D Jimmy Camp site over 75 objects were retrieved and their locations cataloged. The objects were cleared from the cartesian grid system that is being setup at the site. No less than eight of the 20' x 20' zones were cleared by the 11 Field Agents that attended June's field day at the site.

Next month we will continue to lay out the grid system and start clearing those zones and cataloging objects found in them. Work is scheduled to be completed no later than 2011.

Should you wish to attend a field day, please contact Colorado Aviation Archaeology's Program Manager, Brian Richardson at aviator_b@msn.com

June 2008 Jimmy Camp field work date set

June's monthy field work in support of the B-24D project at Jimmy Camp for the City of Colorado Springs is scheduled for June 14th, 2008.

June work will consist of generating our grid lines that were mapped out last month as well as understanding and indentifying parts and matching the part numbers to the B-24D Illustrated Parts Catalog (DASH-4 T.O) and recording where each part was discovered. This work will provide us a clear map as to how the crash site looks today.

You'll need to report to the site's gate at 8:00am to gain entry. The gate will be closed promptly at 8:30am

Those interested in being on-site for June work should contact Brian Richardson, AvAr Program Manager

AvAr Bulletin #020

Subject: AvAr Class 801; Field Agent Tips; Jimmy Camp - May '08, FAT #2, Robert Jackson Collection

AvAr Class 801

Class 801 completed its training cycle on May 3, 2008, following a six and one half hour field exercise at Jimmy Camp. This is the third year in a row that AvAr has produced a fresh crew of new agents.

New to this year’s course of instruction was the inclusion of a hypothesis for the students to examine and attempt to solve during their graduation field exercise. Based on the actual accident report and eyewitness statements, two different hypotheses were presented as their challenge. (See Jimmy Camp: May ’08 below)

Consisting of seven new members and two recurrent students, the attendees were: Thomas Gallegos, Bruce Hertelendy, Joseph Johnston, Jeffrey Martin, Jamey Patton, Stub Persons, Paul Rylatt, and Martin Sagara. Dr. Thomas Ross was unable to attend due to a last minute deployment overseas. He has reserved a seat in the next class.

Thanks again to the staff at both Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport and Redstone College in Broomfield for providing facilities to conduct our training.
________________________________________________________________________

Field Agent Tips

In Bulletin #19 we introduced a new feature to this publication titled Field Agent Tips. The idea is to provide helpful tidbits of information that might improve your field or research practices. These Field Agent Tips (FAT) may suggest the purchase of a particular product or simply offer some tried and true, time proven advice from our staff or other such credible source. As an accredited field agent, you are welcome to offer an idea for consideration in this feature at any time by contacting aviator_b@msn.com.
________________________________________________________________________

Jimmy Camp – May ‘08

On Saturday, May 3, 2008, AvAr made a spectacular return to the Jimmy Camp B-24 crash site with 16 members in its party. Following a 15-minute briefing that included mission objectives and important safety matters, individuals were grouped and team assignments issued. Coming together for this event was a composite of team members: Class 801 students, instructors, certified field agents, and one guest.

Three specific missions were outlined for the days visit: First, establish a benchmark and record the datum for a Cartesian coordinate grid system. Second, determine the entire perimeter of the remaining crash site. And, third, examine the northern ridge for evidence that would prove/disprove either of the two hypotheses presented:

Hypothesis 1:

Given that substantial aircraft debris was found imbedded in the north-facing slope of the northern-most-hill encompassing the known aircraft crash-site, is it possible that this aircraft exploded in flight, as reported by eyewitness account, spewing artifacts into terrain as it fell to earth?

Hypothesis 2:

Given that substantial aircraft debris was found imbedded in the north facing slope of the northern-most-hill encompassing the known aircraft crash-site, is it possible that the aircraft commander, following an in-flight collision and subsequent spin was able to recover control of said aircraft long enough to correct direction towards the nearest airfield, but impacted terrain on a direct line with the aircraft’s final destination?

After six and one half hours of surveying by this team, some startling new evidence was produced which augments the original 1944 US Army Air Force report.

Ex. “Tower operator observed smoke emitting from engine of B-24 flying SE of field with one P-40 making passes. Later, smoke disappeared and plane appeared to join formation. But, about 5 min. later and (sic) explosion was observed NE of field. D-24 advised that 2 B-24s collided in midair and 1 crashed. Information given upon interrogation by tower. Crash phone used. All parties except Chaplain a---ered . Pueblo, home base of B-24 notified thru Denver ATC.” On the next page, “,the pilot attempted to pull up through the propeller wash of the plane in formation. This put the plane into a flat spin from which it did not recover. The plane crashed a complete wreck.”

Aircraft that impact terrain following a flat-spin leave a distinct footprint and debris pattern that follows the direction of revolution. On Saturday, May 3rd, AvAr team members accurately outlined a debris field at the Jimmy Camp site that was linear in nature and stretched more than 750 feet (approximately one eight of a mile) from end-to-end. Although it is documented that the aircraft went into a flat-spin, from which it did not recover, remnants at this site indicate that the aircraft may have been shedding parts while it descended or might possibly have recovered directional control prior to impact. A great deal more work lies ahead before we will be able to close the book on this unique case. Watch for a field schedule and site update in future AvAr Bulletins.
________________________________________________________________________

FAT #2

Some official documents you come across, whether purchased or examined for free from public sources are very difficult to read due to the fact that they have been photocopied many times over. Try employing a sheet of yellow acetate film over the document; it truly works wonders, contrasting/enhancing the text and making it much easier to read. Yellow acetate film can usually be purchased from your local area hobby or craft dealers.
________________________________________________________________________

Robert Jackson Collection; May ’08 Update

Duke Sumonia continues to make progress with his research and cataloguing of each individual photograph in the Robert Jackson Collection. With nearly 3,000 estimated pictures in this one aggregation, you can imagine the process consumes a great deal of time. In addition to the photographs, there are still nearly 15 boxes of books (on average 15 books per) left to inventory. Duke could really use your help!

No special training is necessary. All you need to do is help write down the specifics of each document; title, subject, author, date, condition. Yes, it is tedious work, but very rewarding. And the eventual outcome of your labor will be truly profound and significant for the many generations to come that will benefit from this unique collection.

If you’d like to contribute some time to this project, please contact Duke at (970) 586-8505 or at dukeair@aol.com. This is a very important project that requires participation from all our AvAr team members. If you’re not into humping the hills with youngsters, please consider offering a Saturday morning, Sunday afternoon or weekday evening for a couple of hours; that’s all it will take to make a big dent in this project and help create one of the most important aviation libraries anywhere. Let Duke knows you’re interested!

Send comments, corrections or submissions to aviator_b@msn.com

AvAr returns to Jimmy Camp to start 2008 site survey work

AvAr Team Returns to Jimmy Camp Site

Working with the City of Colorado Springs on an ongoing survey project of the Jimmy Camp B-24D, AvAr and it's Spring 2008 Course attendees returned on Saturday May 3rd, 2008.

With 16 people participating in May's survey work, the team was able to start laying grid lines in support of survey work that is to continue into next year. Work will continue mapping the site as it rests today. The project, lead by Program Manager Brian Richardson, hopes to better understand the layout of the site as well as to collect various data to provide to the City of Colorado Springs so that an interpretive display can be erected in honor of the men who lost their lives in this September 1944 crash.

AvAr Bulletin #019

2008 Training Course

The third annual AvAr Training Course, Class 801, will conduct its 16 hours of platform instruction this coming weekend (April 26/27, 2008) at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport main terminal building. Starting promptly at 8:00 am each day, the classes will be conducted in the Mt. Evans room on the second floor. In accordance with standing policy, former graduates wishing recurrent training may attend the sessions free of charge.

If you are a previous graduate and wish to attend any portion of this training course as a refresher, please contact Brian Richardson at aviator_b@msn.com so that we may ensure adequate refreshments and materials.
________________________________________________________________________

Return to Jimmy Camp: Update

As reported in Bulletin #018… AvAr is back on track with the Jimmy Camp project. Our plan is to conduct a comprehensive site survey and a complete sub-surface excavation of the Jimmy Camp B-24 crash site for the City of Colorado Springs. Material and data gathered from this project will eventually serve to form the foundation of an interpretive center planned near the site.

We’ll be celebrating our return on Saturday, May 3, 2008, when field agent candidates from AvAr Class 801, undertake their mandatory field training exercise there. All previously certified AvAr field agents are encouraged to participate in this event, as well as all future posted Jimmy Camp field operations.

Watch for a field schedule and site updates in future AvAr Bulletins.

________________________________________________________________________

Robert Jackson Collection

Significant progress has been made in the cataloguing of this truly unique collection since last reported in AvAr Bulletin #017.

Eight staff members and two field agents met at the Longmont Public Library on February 16, 2008, and managed to inventory the contents of 10 boxes from the Robert Jackson Collection. Along with the six previously investigated, this means we’re nearly halfway (16 out of 34 boxes) to recording the entire collection of books.

Duke Sumonia has been making steady progress with the (estimated 3,000) photographs included in this collection, but he’d sure appreciate some help.

If you have some spare time and would like to support this truly significant, historic project, please contact Duke at dukeair@aol.com or (970) 586-8505. Since all you’re going to be expected to do is write down some basic information on a canned form, no special training is required; Duke will fill you in when you get there. He’ll also give you a tour of his mini-museum and archive, free! (Since he’s located in idyllic Glen Haven, you might want to take the spouse with you – you won’t be sorry!)
________________________________________________________________________

Sumonia Appointed to CAHS Board

Dushan “Duke” Sumonia, current instructor and one of the founding members of the AvAr concept, has been appointed to the Colorado Aviation Historical Society Board of Directors. Recognized the world over as a subject matter expert in the field of aviation archaeology, Duke is expected to play an integral part in directing the Society’s future AvAr endeavors. Congratulations, Duke!

________________________________________________________________________

Field Agent Tip #1

One of the most important tools a field agent can employ is her/his footwear. Whether scaling rugged terrain, trudging across open prairie or wading through mire and muck –
the shoe one selects often determines the outcome of an operation. (Sore, wet feet, equal early termination.)

Recent AvAr testing has shown that the Response Gear ™ style #1022 boot is more than adequate enough to meet the challenges AvAr field agents routinely face. With a moisture wicking lining; rubber cup sole; heavy padding and easily maintained exterior; this is one easily broken-in-boot that can be fetched at a very reasonable price (less than $60.00 at Big 5 Sporting Goods). Check your local outlets for availability.
________________________________________________________________________

Send comments, corrections or submissions to aviator_b@msn.com

Colorado Aviation Archaeology Launches new website!

Colorado AvAr has finally moved to the new website design that will allow, amongst other things;

Photo Albums of Past, Present and Future AvAr projects
News Articles authored by the AvAr Instructors on aviation archaeology subject matter
Message Forums
A calendar showing past and upcoming events of interest
Blogs

Currently we are still in the process of moving information over from the old site. We welcome any feedback you provide. Please e-mail aviator_b@msn.com with any problems you run into or suggestions you may have.

AvAr Bulletin #018

Return to Jimmy Camp: Update

AvAr has been given the green light to return to Jimmy Camp. Following a six month delay due to legal encumbrances an agreement was finally reached in mid-December between AvAr and the property management team for Banning Lewis Ranch, which provides us with access.

Although a schedule for the 2008 field season has yet to be determined, it is expected that an advance team will return late February/early March to examine this site and record any significant changes since the last visit in May 2007. Also, it is expected that the 2008 training course will hold its mandatory field exercise at Jimmy Camp.

Watch for a posted field schedule and site updates in future AvAr Bulletins.
________________________________________________________________________

Year in Review

2007 proved a banner year for the CAHS AvAr program. AvAr team members collectively traveled more than 11,000 miles throughout Colorado and Wyoming in order to populate our database. Stepping over rattlesnakes and standing up to black bears, sweating extreme temperatures and scaling some pretty rugged slopes, AvAr trained field agents explored seven different sites between January 1, and December 31, 2007.
________________________________________________________________________

Robert Jackson Collection

A very significant honor was bestowed upon AvAr staff member Dushon “Duke” Sumonia this past October when Mrs. Jeanie Jackson, widow of the late Bob Jackson (as reported in AvAr Bulletin #017), entrusted Duke with the care of her late husbands incredible aviation collection.

Comprised of some 3,000 (plus) photographs and more than 250 books, along with an assortment of historic memorabilia, this truly impressive assemblage has been dubbed the Robert Jackson Collection.

Although Duke has yet to name an official home for this unique trove, he is considering a number of options and will decide which is best to safeguard this unique collection.

If any AvAr members would like to lend a hand in cataloguing this collection, Duke would surely appreciate you contacting him. No special training is required. Please contact Duke Sumonia at: dukeair@aol.com or (970) 586-8505.
________________________________________________________________________

2008 Training Course

AvAr will conduct its official 2008 training course over the weekends of April 26/27 and May 3, 2008. Sixteen hours of classroom instruction is required, along with an additional eight hours of recorded fieldwork.

If you are a previous graduate and wish to attend any portion of this training course as a refresher or if you know of someone who might be interested, please contact Brian Richardson at aviator_b@msn.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR

________________________________________________________________________
Send comments, corrections or submissions to aviator_b@msn.com

Spring 2008 Aviation Archaeology Class Dates Announced!

The Colorado Aviation Historical Society is presently accepting applications for its April 2008 Aviation Archaeology (AvAr) training course.

Consisting of classroom lecture and a field training exercise, this three-day course is spread over two weekends. Upon successful completion of all classroom subjects each student will receive a handsome, frameable graduation certificate. Those who go on to complete the [optional] field exercise will be awarded official Colorado Aviation Historical Society AvAr Field Agent credentials.

Classes will be held in the Main Terminal Building of the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Broomfield. Beginning promptly at 8:00 am on Saturday and Sunday (April 26/27^th), students can expect lecture sessions to end no later than 5:00 pm each day. Those applicants wishing to complete the field exercise required for full AvAr Field Agent accreditation, scheduled for Saturday, May 3^rd, will be briefed progressively during the classroom portion of the course.

Presented by recognized subject matter experts, classroom instruction includes: an

introduction to the Colorado Aviation Historical Society and its mission; elementary map reading, pioneering skills and practical survival techniques; public laws and the Historic Preservation Act; principles of site investigation and documentation; simple aircraft component identification; historic aviation research methodology; basic imagery analysis as well as numerous actual case studies.

In addition, a representative from TIGHAR (The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery) will present an overview of current global operations as well as an update on that organization’s search for Amelia Earhart.

At less than one hundred dollars per person, this is the most complete, cost effective training program offered anywhere that results in official accreditation concerning the field of aviation archaeology.

Click here for a copy of the course application. Further inquiries will be handled by contacting the program director directly at (970) 405-5377.

AvAr Bulletin #003

Sterling B-24

At the crack of dawn this coming Saturday (July, 8, 2006), AvAr team members Larry Liebrecht, Brian Richardson, Duke Sumonia, and Len Wallace will be stoked on coffee/diet coke and traveling eastbound across the prairie to Sterling, Colorado in search of a WWII B-24 crash site.

A site Duke has long had his eye upon, this we’ll be a preliminary survey aided by an actual witness; Vern “Slim” Koester was 13 years old when the bomber attempted a “gear down” landing on the prairie, flipped over and caught fire. Five of the eight crew members died in that crash; Duke is trying to locate the three surviving crewmembers.

Our goal for this venture is to simply identify location/coordinates and ownership. We will make the necessary arrangements for future site survey and excavation activities. In addition, Duke and Len will be making a presentation during the early afternoon to some town representatives to garner interest in a memorial for the site.

Reporters from the Denver Post and Sterling Newspaper will accompany this team effort.

Adobe Creek Reservoir AT-17C

On December 23, 1942, two young airmen faced a difficult decision: one leapt to safety via parachute; the other elected to ride his stricken aircraft to a watery grave. AT-17C, serial number 42-13815, disappeared beneath the surface of Blue Lake, 14 miles north of Las Animas, Colorado. The next day, Christmas Eve, most of the aircraft was recovered, but the body of pilot Lt. Donald E. Spencer, as well as one of the aircraft’s engines, were nowhere to be found.

A dialogue has been established with the responsible Division of Wildlife manager for that county, Mr. Steve Keefer. He’s informed us that certificates will have to be pulled
before we can remove the remains of this aircraft. However, the search for these remains may be conducted uninhibited. (Mr. Keefer is very much interested in aviation history and willing to support our cause.)

Anyone wishing to spend a weekend in the water searching for these remains, please let us know. We presently have two qualified divers, one high speed boat (equipped with single sensor sonar) and a canoe available. We are in need of another boat and or a dual sensor sonar unit, as well as a magnetometer. All AvAr team members are encouraged to spend some time on this site.

Although the date is yet to be established, we are considering mid-to-late August, or possibly early September, for this adventure. Let us know what your availability is!

Send comments, corrections or submissions to aviator_b@msn.com.

AvAr Bulletin #001

This is the first of what will be routine bulletins provided to members of the Colorado Aviation Historical Society Aviation Archaeology team. The purpose of these bulletins is to keep you apprised of current activities, safety issues and scheduled programs. At this time there is no set schedule for dissemination of these bulletins; they will be distributed as pertinent information is made available.

As this is the first such bulletin, we encourage your comments and suggestions as far as content and form is concerned so that we might improve with each future edition. Also, whenever a report or photographs are sent by a team member, they will be posted for others to see via these electronic bulletins.

Send comments, corrections or submissions to aviator_b@msn.com.