PIREP Leg 10 - Bukhara (UTSB) to Dushanbe (UTDD)

[hurricanemk1c 195]

Are we sitting comfortably? Good, then let me tell you the "Tale of Two MiG's"

Think back to a November afternoon, near Bukhara. The year is 1942. Although well away from the fighting, Bukhara is under threat. To counter this, a squadron of brand new MiG-1 (Российская самолетостроительная корпорация, or Mikoyan Gurevich 1) was posted to the city. Proud claims were made - "No enemy aircraft shall fly over this town!" Cheers went up around the town, as people returned to war-critical work. But for a young fighter pilot, Bukhara wasn't the place to be.

Yuri Belyakov was a young, eager 18 year old, called up to fight for the land. He was a mediocre pilot. His exam log book contained the words "Suitable more for transport aircraft than fighters, but would probably kill less of us in fighters". With these words ringing in his ears, he was posted to the MiG-1 course. Here, as part of the new squadron, he started what would become a long process of improving his skills. But, at the test centre, he 'pranged' a Hurricane, on lend-lease from the British. This didn't make him popular, and was shunned from front-line duties. Instead, he was posted to Bukhara to lead a near nomadic existance.

The days of inactivity fustrated him. The daily routine was the same - breakfast at 0700, lunch at 1300, dinner at 1800, lights out 2300. If he was lucky, two flights a week were arranged, to keep the men occupied. But mainly, they just brushed up on aircraft recognition and navigation practise. During one of these mass flights, the Luftwaffe bombed the airfield. All the MiG's were miles away, looking good for a display in the near future. When they got back, the He-111's were well away, leaving a burning mess. This annoyed everyone, and from now on combat air patrols were organised - two aircraft every hour from 0800 to 2100.

It was during one of these patrols that Yuri noticed something. His engine seemed to be running hot, even though he was flying normally. He called up the flight leader and was told quickly to shut up before the Luftwaffe came again. Being the obedient solider and flyer, he obeyed. It would have disasterous consquences.

Returning empty handed, Yuri's engine started running rough. It was loosing power rapidly. With the instruction to 'shut up' still ringing in his ears, he broke off and looked for a field. By now though, the engine had quit. He was lucky, however. The engine had not caught fire, unlike many other MiG engines. Spying a field ahead, he finally plucked up enough courage to call up Flight leader. But he got there first - "Where the hell are you? Bandits reported, 20 miles due east!" It was what Yuri wanted, a chance to tangle with the infamous Luftwaffe. But not right now. He quietly replied "Engine out - making an emergency landing". A swift OK from FL. He then called up the ground and ordered a scramble. A hive of activity and starting engines roared across the airfield.

But Yuri was alone. Gear down, time to land.

The inital touchdown was gentle enough. He might make it out fine, as if a normal landing on the airfield. But then, the left gear leg hit a hoel, and the aircraft rolled around, tearing the gear off.

The nose then pitched over, bending the propeller blades that had been idling moving around

Yuri saw the nose and the minor tyre fire fly past

Once the aircraft had come to a stop, amazingly still no fire, Yuri got out as fast as possible

As Yuri walked back to base, the newspaper men came and took a photo. This is all that remains of the some 40 photos taken that day, along with the article, translated into English by contemporay historians

"Yesterday, November 2, the young VVS pilot Yuri Belyakov scrambled clear of his crashed fighter plane after another thrilling engagement with the Luftwaffe. The massive air battle that took place saved Bukhara from a major bombing raid. In total, over 20 German bombers were shot down with crews, with only this loss to our air forces. In other news........"

As Yuri read it, he wished hard it was true.......

So, what has this got to do with the Around the World Challenge? Well, in real life, no fighting took place over Bukhara as far as I know, but it ties in nicely with the next aircraft for the challenge.

Date: November 2, 2012

Location: Bukhara

Aircraft: MiG-29 Fulcrum

Air Force: Luftwaffe

The aircraft stands at Bukhara airport

The simple controls, but not as simple as Yuri's MiG

Interesting fact - the programme controller for the MiG-29 was one Rostislav Belyakov, Yuri's son. How times change?

Moving onto the runway

Full power - I bet Yuri wanted two engines that day

As you can see, I've left my calling card

She really isn't eco-friendly. This was taken by an old man in a wheelchair, who remembers clearly what happened exactly 70 years before. Any ideas?

Clearly obvious what air force this aircraft is from. 70 years ago any aircraft wearing iron crosses would have been hounded out of USSR air space

Flying into danger

The simple HUD and GPS

Oopps - I promise to choose a more fuel-efficent aircraft next time!

Down to low level for some fun

Under power lines

I think that's what a close call is called

Over the airfield, the "Cobra" trick is tried - and reasonable success

Powering out of the controlled stall

Gear and flaps down as we do a curved approach

Bit off

Lining up a bit better

Touchdown and chute streamed

Demonstrating the off-road capability of the Russian aircraft

Finally parked up

As I walked up to the terminal after handing the aircraft over to the ground crew, I thought of what had happened to me today. The bridging of the gap between East and West, this "Baton" strapped to my leg and of one man. Yuri was slightly hostile to me and my crew initally, but as soon as the vodka flowed, he relaxed. We told tales of our MiG's and he was amazed by the progress made by both East and West. Although wheelchair bound, he jumped at the chance to see a MiG-29 up close again. He had a proud gleam in his eye as he saw the aircraft depart. He too was thinking about the war, and now how former enemies were now friends. I suggested he visit the local airshow, where a rebuilt, re-engined MiG-3 would be flying. He thanked me, and we parted

I hope you all enjoyed this little story. The first few shots are from IL2: 1946, using a MiG-1. The rest is FS9 with IRIS MiG-29

Over to you Kasper!

[brett 2,315]

This history lesson, cleverly worked into the ATW flight was a real tear jerker. Well done and a great look at this fine aircraft. Thanks for the flight story.

[SEATAC 400]

Wel done and a very entertaining post!

[allardjd 1,853]

Great story. You should do more of them. Nice flight.

John

[rob16584 42]

Great story Kieran, thanks for posting it

[CSoul 182]

With looks like that one can forgive a little inefficiency. Beautiful aircraft, that. Great leg.

[Kasper 14]

Very entertaining!

[stu7708 244]

Great flight Kieran

Some great shots, and a well written story to go along with them..

Top stuff..

[rosariomanzo 545]

Great story along with very nice pics!

[hurricanemk1c 195]

Thanks folks - it was a bit of an accident really. My planned aircraft (Luftwaffe A310) was out due to the fact I couldn't get ground power to start her up. Quick change in plan and hey presto!

[ddavid 149]

Excellent storyline, Chuck - you should ditch the three-ten permanently! Some hairy manouvres, as usual, but you prove that there's life in FS9 yet!

Cheers - Dai.