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Jungle Engine Change

At the end of August 1963 whilst on operations in Brunei, Auster Mk9, XK414 made a routine landing at Long Somado, a jungle strip at a small jungle village, to contact the local Gurkha commander.  However before he could take off to return it was found on the pre-flight checks the Blackburn Bombardier engine had failed. (Possible oil pump?)  A radio message was sent to base to tell of the problem. And so I came into the picture. I was to be flown out by RAF Twin Pioneer aircraft with a replacement engine, to perform a change of power plant.  I was to take minimal tools, as the troops would render all necessary assistance.  The journey and arrival went without hitch, with the local force of Gurkhas unloading the engine on its cradle, and field took kits.  I started to prepare the ECU for removal, getting as far as I could before dark, as with the operational state at that time there were no lights permitted.  The village perimeter was bristling with Gurkhas expecting trouble at any time, and I settled into a wary sleep under a temporary shelter.

Early the next morning I completed disconnections and called for help to remove the lump.  I was given 6 Gurkhas, 3 tent poles and 3 ropes!  The ropes went round the engine and the poles so that 3 men on each side could lift and move the engine forward, out of the airframe.  That’s fine, except Gurkhas are by nature of smaller statue than Europeans, so with the airframe not having the tail raised, as was usual, the poles were high.  When it came to the ‘lift’ it was indeed a struggle for these very willing men to lift high enough to clear the mountings.  Nevertheless it was achieved, and the replacement fitted in reverse order.  An air test was completed during the one hour flight back to base at Brunei Main airport

updated 4th September 2010