Mendel Glacier WWII era crash site

[ERIC]

Thanks, Peter. Good luck with your book.

[Final Flight]

I've posted the Final Flight May, 2010 blog. Topix lovers can find it over here:
http://finalflightthebook.com/Blog_May10.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The blog home page is here:
http://finalflightthebook.com/Final_Flight_bog_home.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I want to thank the people who contribute to High Sierra Topix. Also, thank you to all the people who have been following the mystery of the Mendel Glacier and who have communicated with me via Topix and by private email.

The Sierra Nevada is truly a fantastic and wonderful place. Thank you to Eric for providing a forum where we can all get together and share our passion for the Sierra.

Peter

[BSquared]

The Sierra Nevada is truly a fantastic and wonderful place. Thank you to Eric for providing a forum where we can all get together and share our passion for the Sierra.

Peter

Amen!

[Final Flight]

Since 2005 when Leo Mustonen - the “Frozen Airman” - was found, there has been lots of interest about the November 18, 1942 Beech 18 AT-7 crash on Mendel Glacier in Kings Canyon National Park. I’ve been involved in the story beginning in August, 2007, when I hiked up to the glacier and found the remains of Glenn Munn, a second crewmember from the crashed airplane.

Thus began my personal quest to discover why the AT-7 crashed 150 miles from its supposed route. How did it get there? What factors were involved - weather, climate, pilot error? Were the known facts about the airplanes final flight in error? Who was the pilot and who were the three navigation cadets on board? What does this story tell us about how our nation cares for and honors our fallen soldiers?

Over all these years I've deeply appreciated how forums such as this one have kept the story alive. That's why I'm happy to announce that my book about the missing aircraft and its crew, FINAL FLIGHT - The Mystery of a WWII Plane Crash and the Frozen Airman in the High Sierra, was published September 1, 2010.

I want to express my thanks to Eric, forum moderators, the people who have posted here [many of whom have communicated with me privately and offered helpful information or advice], and the many readers who continue to be interested in this story.

[ERIC]

Since 2005 when Leo Mustonen - the “Frozen Airman” - was found, there has been lots of interest about the November 18, 1942 Beech 18 AT-7 crash on Mendel Glacier in Kings Canyon National Park. I’ve been involved in the story beginning in August, 2007, when I hiked up to the glacier and found the remains of Glenn Munn, a second crewmember from the crashed airplane.

Thus began my personal quest to discover why the AT-7 crashed 150 miles from its supposed route. How did it get there? What factors were involved - weather, climate, pilot error? Were the known facts about the airplanes final flight in error? Who was the pilot and who were the three navigation cadets on board? What does this story tell us about how our nation cares for and honors our fallen soldiers?

Over all these years I've deeply appreciated how forums such as this one have kept the story alive. That's why I'm happy to announce that my book about the missing aircraft and its crew, FINAL FLIGHT - The Mystery of a WWII Plane Crash and the Frozen Airman in the High Sierra, was published September 1, 2010.

I want to express my thanks to Eric, forum moderators, the people who have posted here [many of whom have communicated with me privately and offered helpful information or advice], and the many readers who continue to be interested in this story.

Congrats! It's a great story. Pretty cool to see some of it come together right here at HST.
Hope it's a best seller...best of luck.

[sierramel]

Thanks for a great topic. I read about the recovery effort in the LA Times awhile back. It made me think how often so many of the backcountry community had hiked so near the area and never known what was so close.

[tomcat_rc]

I will be attending this presentation tomorrow night in Ridgecrest

[Final Flight]

I am heading back to Mendel Glacier on August 25th with some friends. I haven't been there for three years. The Sierra had so little snow this past winter and coupled with the long hot dry spring/summer, I believe there is a good chance that more of the airplane will be exposed. And... there is always the chance we might be able to find the other two boys from the crash. If we are successful I will post a description when I return.

Peter

[maverick]

Looking forward to you report Peter, and hope you will be successful in recovering the
other two!