6 Mustang aircraft recoverd from A-Bomb test site Australia

Emu Desert in 1960 was 1500 miles from anywhere .. ideal place for the British to test their Atomic Bombs in their former Australian Colonies.. the bastards !
This clip from Channel10 shows the recovery performed by some very hard working Aussie aircraft enthusiasts :)

[@RobertJohnM]

This film needs to be restored for history sake.

[@Irish_For_Life1842]

Not cheap to do. There are some occasions you will see broadcast on TV/cable that is of the unrestored copy even though a restored one is complete. It just costs more to show the new version vs the old. 1960 film should still exist to restore it. The films from 20s-30s era are a higher priority as the product used to record the film is becoming dust. Some mines have perfect conditions for film. Vast originals are stored underground to save the film. Please forgive me any typos, grammatical/spelling errors or other errors as I am only human and not an A.I. All information was cited in good faith.

[@ronrothstein4175]

The plane that refused to die may she live forever

[@susansinclair4914]

2.28 'The greatest destructive force that man could create' - He must mean, aside from politicians.

[@michaelnaisbitt1590]

Every war in history has been caused by either religious zealots or politicians

[@gregmaggielipscomb9246]

@@michaelnaisbitt1590 So true so in other words the wars needn't been.

[@OdeeOz]

@@gregmaggielipscomb9246 Right you are! Just let those in power, have their way with you and your kin. It's the Peaceful way after all.

[@artjag1]

well said mate !

[@darrenmcguire3877]

Worked for A68-1 owner back in 1998 as a over the road driver and heard about several aircraft from wwII that he owned. He also had General Chuck Yeager USAF Ret. on retainer to fly a couple of them at different air show around the country.

[@jimkey920]

Fantastic resurection of one of the most fantastic piston planes ever made. I was surprised the got a ferry permist to fly from Coober peddy. I am often attacked when i say Australia is a < "Nanny State". I truly is a "Nanny State."

[@craigpennington1251]

The government knew all along that this is how we play the game for Mustangs. My opinion is that they're a bunch of rotten bastards. My hat's off to him for all the amazing work that he put into this aircraft only for it to be taken away. That's very very wrong.

[@kamikazeyamamoto4545]

I never heard of this story. What an awesome adventure this was.

[@OdeeOz]

What a marvelous tale, with ultimately as heartbreaking an end, that one could possibly endure.

[@andrewwilson8317]

What a guy! Real passion for his subject. Inspiring.

[@ricardophynque5128]

Those Mustangs gave all the could and simply responded to a Gentle Loving Hand.........Hope they are taken care of and Live a long happy Life.........

[@WayneB27]

Amazing endeavour by a courageous man,I wish my dad was still alive and able to have seen this, a great watch thanks for posting Dr.Wayne

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

Amazing story. Reminds me of the Kee Bird. A B29 that was abandoned in the Artic. Team worked for several years to get her flying. Had a crew member die from illness. Plane caught fire and was destroyed before it's first flight.

[@MrRem7600]

Thanks for posting this. Brilliant piece of history!

[@yimkaicheung7586]

M

[@mirimar69]

Tony a fine gentlemen. Gave me my first ferry job!

[@chrisbrent7487]

I have loads of photos of RAAF P51's from when my grandfather was in Nth QLD during the war. Some great ones of P40's as well.

[@bobriggs8105]

What a great tale, thanks so much for sharing it!

[@Nibby12]

Selling it to the U.S.A. was definitely the right move, seeing as how the owner went broke anyway. Well done to our American friends for restoring and truly resurrecting this gem back into its element, with air under her wings.

[@kellio48]

Ever since I was a little boy growing up in Australia, and for as long as I can remember, I've been in love with the P51 Mustangs. As a kid I always carried a small model around in my pocket. The first was plastic but that was replaced by a more robust aluminiun one. Now, at 71, I fly remote controlled aircraft as a hobby and A P51 has always been in my hangar and is still my favorite show piece. I vaguely remember hearing this story as a kid but it had completely slipped my mind until watching this sad story. Thank you so much for posting it. It brought a tear to my eye. I wonder if anyone can tell me the name and artist who sang the ending song? (Sounds like Rod Stewart) It seems so fitting.

[@danozism]

Hi Sean. I believe the song ('Rise Like A Phoenix?') was written by Graeme Waldron and Tom Kassai (who I assume are/were Australian) - specifically for this program. The singer and other musicians aren't listed in the credits. The only other song I could find by that name is completely unrelated, and was written for the Eurovision Song Contest (performed by Austrian performer Conchita Wurst) in 2014. It's odd - the song sounded very familiar to me, which is why I tried to find out more about it! "-)

[@HUETV2]

According to the Warbird Registry, as of 2002, the A681 was still airworthy, being owned by a gentlen in Troy Alabama. The Mustang is now named Jeannie Too. That was the most recent info I found on her. www.warbirdregistry.org/p51registry/ca17-a681.html

[@F.Krueger-cs4vk]

what a sad story for this great fella & a part of history that should have been kept here in Australia. beauracracy is worst now than ever before, cant scratch your arse without a permit.

[@pangaute]

Great story, feel sorry for those involved. Having lived and worked in Qld, NSW and Victoria (army and RAAF) and now living in Adelaide, I can relate to the petty and small mindedness of the public service in SA.

[@MechRider89]

Man that'd be a hard blow to recover from, losing something you wanted for so long then put so much work into when you got it..

[@JimBob-vb8oz]

What an awesome show. Too bad quality programs like this are no longer shown in favour of vapid crap like "Bachelor" or some other reality drivel.

[@juststeve5542]

Sheer determination and hard work screwed over by red-tape once again.

[@Douguod1]

The desert was the prob not red tape

[@wilburfinnigan2142]

@@Douguod1 BULL$HIT !!!! IF the gov would have gotten off their lazy @$$'S and got the paper work done the plane would have been restored to flying !!!!

[@bobordewald1367]

t seems the folks that do the hard work rarely get the prize

[@christophersimmins3181]

What A great story ....A couple of Aussie mechanics (and their helpers) demonstrating a great can do attitude and vision...coupled with endurance skill and endless patience... Their emotional highs of the initial success ,sadly followed by agony and despair of senseless defeat... from fat fingered ignorant bureaucracies and inept subsequent handlers.

[@Larryloafer488]

This is why is watch KZbin. An amazing story of triumph against all odds.

[@jdrosner1]

This plane is still flying in Troy, Alabama and raced in Reno for most of the 80s. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_surviving_North_American_P-51_Mustangs

[@mouser485]

Wiley Sanders in Alabama has owned it since 1982 but Sanders passed away in 2019 so not sure who owns it now. Yes, it did race at Reno in the 1980’s and had at least 1 victory. See www.mustangsmustangs.com/p-51/survivors/serial/A68-001 for more info.

[@armstronglance]

So sad those slow pokes responsible for the certification dragged their butts for 2 years!! What the hell took them so long! Sadly Australia lost a treasure, and those certification folks are solely to blame.

[@markgamble8377]

Brilliant. Sad loss.

[@GaryKaluza]

"It should be worth mentioning that Tony had never flown a Mustang before" No worries mate.. she'll be alright, I'm an Australian.

[@DrWayne1966]

Hold my beer .. watch this

[@pingpong5000]

A different time, when you could find and recover relics like these Mustangs for the love of them, barns full of classic cars and aircraft in the deserts. Good Doc but feel for the bloke losing it to the USA., a sad end.

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Simply fantastic but a very very sad story caused only because of totally unnecessary bureaucracy! Thanks a lot for uploading and sharing.

[@SR71ABCD]

Nice what to do list. 1. Land Aircraft 2. Detonate A Bomb 3. Wait 14 years 4. Restore Aircraft 5. Fly or Bring back aircraft.

[@gerardmartin6353]

Someone obviously didn't want this man to be the owner of the plane. 😂😂😂😂

[@lomasck]

For 14 years not one Visitor in the Emu Desert Amazing. Not posable today.

[@rogerfrancis65]

What a mammoth task, amazing testament to the Packard built Rolls Royce' engines.

[@jacksonhudd3681]

Amazing testament to Rolls Royce!. Fa to do with Packard!

[@TheAlanmiddleton]

Note the DOA (now CASA) acknowledging their 'role to promote aviation' (at 20:35 min). It is this aspect that is missing from our CASA today. Most likely due to the fact that very few people within CASA know anything about aviation!

[@jeffmoore9487]

The US of 1940 would be unrecognizable today. Roosevelt and his team told the industrialists, farmers, and the general public what to do and how and when to do it. It worked gang busters if you just look at it in terms of the vast centrally organized logistical effort that we had leading up to and during WW2. CASA was part of the general growth spurt in the construction of and size federal agencies.

[@keithlucas6260]

I have a friend over there with a KZbin channel that's getting "jacked" by them for flying RC aircraft and drones....such a pity he says the same thing, "promoting aviation, hogwash."

[@fettlerjohn3419]

Blimey what a story. 👍🏼✨✨

[@Dons166]

Thanks for saving History!

[@donaldparlettjr3295]

It goes to show that it takes a government to crush the dreams of people. What's new.

[@GaryD9871]

And the moral of the story: Never depend on or trust the self-appointed wisdom or benefits of government bureaucracy.

[@briandufty1609]

Well said. O is smokers cause al the cancer and pollution..

[@KurtElliott]

There was a P-51 Mustang on top of a building for years in North Highlands, California to draw attention to the business but it was removed and I think it was reconditioned and gets flown again or it is in a museum nowadays...

[@oldbaldfatman2766]

Dec. 4, 2018---Was that the one in the Sacramento area on top of a hotel? Remember seeing it for years going thru Sac as a truck driver.

[@byronfranklin3612]

It was a fiberglass replica. I stopped to see it when it was setting in the parking lot.

[@carmelpule6954]

I cannot understand why it was so difficult to weaken that rich mixture in the carburetor. That black cloud showed that there was a lot of unburnt fuel in the exhaust.

[@ramairgto72]

The screw ends were prob corroded.

[@charliejeans2413]

If you noticed the "dry run" "water corrosion" fixed with radiator hoses" RR Merlin ran on water. Look it up. Trucks got 800mile to the gallon. All the old war movies never show you the feul problems associated with poor economy of today's completely inefficient junk gas gusling pos. Imagine a tank needing 500gallons every 500 kms ? Didn't happen. 100 gallon got them 1000klm. Check it out for yourself. No mention of premium aviation feul needed and where it came from ?

[@gargoylegangster6635]

Cadillac of the sky.

[@michaelnaisbitt1639]

gargoyle gangster can’t really verify this but there are stories of Mustang pilots cutting short their leave during WW 2 just to get back behind the controls of this tremendous aircraft ----it is said that the head of Luftwaffe operations knew the war was lost when he saw Mustangs flying over Berlin in late 1943

[@jimmyboomsemtex9735]

love the control tower

[@perschiller7690]

A fine tribute to Australian knowhow and manhood!

[@jaywalker3087]

Thanks folks.......

[@marcs990]

What great work and such a shame about the airworthiness certification. I would of tried my best to cancel the sale but obviously that wasn’t possible sadly.

[@mrchuckington6260]

Just got back from emu airstrip and the bomb sites would have loved to discover something like this

[@KowboyUSA]

Anyone responsible for exposing any Mustang to a potentially destructive test of any type deserves to be severely flogged.

[@sandemike]

n 1953 Mustangs were 10 a penny.

[@KowboyUSA]

@@sandemike that's a steal of a price for a beautiful bird like the Mustang.

[@skywayminicabs6292]

it was done to see how well the aircraft would survive in case on an atomic/nuclear attack ,or not as a means of knowing how much damage the planes suffered ,not so stupid except to the muppits

[@peterschmidt7543]

Such an idiotic idea in the first place; to see what would happen to some airplanes near an a-bomb site. A testimony of man’s insanity.

[@crippleguy415]

Shipping insurance ? The ship's owners should be responsible for any damages while the Mustang was in their possession .

[@zeberdee1972]

That plane has nine lives like a cat , amazing and sad story .

[@DblIre]

Great story. I probably saw it at EAA. I'm going to check with Warbirds of America to see if it's still around.

[@stephengantt9465]

To all who might watch this video, this shows a perfect example of the famously infamous quote from Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill, KG, OM, CH, TD, DL, FRS, RA, as best remember It. " Bureaucracies run not only slow , but stupid."

[@mountainmanws]

Darn, this is a sad story.

[@angelsone-five7912]

Interesting but tragic story, I feel for our would-be hero.

[@stuartw1667]

Awesome story! I hate how they play the wrong engine noises at the wrong RPMs

[@timmayer8723]

Stuart W yeah, it ruined my whole week-

[@philliplopez8745]

"BRAVO " Australia produces the most amazing people !!!

[@user-mb5ev1vc6k]

Great story with a predictable outcome. Incredible artifact and amazing passion shown by the recovery team only to go unrecognised by the AU Govt until it's tressure is gone from your shores. The AU bureaucratic system is responsible for this debarciaale. Nothing will change as those in power are so drunk on the sight of their own reflection are incapable of rational thought processes so prepere to expect more of the same.

[@johnkirk5555]

T n

[@keithmarchant2384]

A sad loss after all that effort to get her flying again

enough content for a movie

[@finscreenname]

Today they would have never though about taking apart one of these planes to fix another.

[@leroymoser5081]

fin screenna

[@JBofBrisbane]

Yes they would.

[@finscreenname]

@@JBofBrisbane Today each of those planes are worth millions. So much so they would flown in, packed the planes up and flew back to a hanger to be rebuilt.

[@dancingwithczars]

Very interesting video. Too bad the source was a horrible VHS tape copy. But thanks for your efforts. I never had heard of this nuke test.

[@scottthompson5855]

Brutal tale...

[@Steve25g]

seems airplane is airworthy again, and owner passed away I read

[@jimmcgettigan1326]

Well done!👍 with the real Flight of the Phoenix.

[@jhmcglynn]

Sometimes it’s easier to beg forgiveness than ask for permission 😊

[@fredsalfa]

What a story !

[@highlanderoutsider5259]

Awwwww that SOUND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@nigelrobinson3450]

Emu test site had the planes located on it - hence the term "Emu Planes"

[@JBofBrisbane]

Real name was Emu Field.

[@johneller5856]

Emu Plains???? Just over the Nepean River from Penrith?? I don't think so. The site was called the Emu Test site, after Len Beadell, the original surveyor of the site noticed an emu print in the claypan. Emu test site was subsequently abandoned in favour of the site later established at Maralinga.

[@DrWayne1966]

Contact Channel 10 and state your claim to accuracy ... ;)

[@johneller5856]

I lived in Emu Plains NSW for many years. We never saw any bombs going off, and none of the longer term residents said they had heard anything. I have visited the Emu test site, and it was very interesting. Still, it was a good story and I thank you for putting it up. No point in contacting Channel 10, as the producers would probably either have passed away or they would not be at all interested.

[@DrWayne1966]

watching the initial 30secs of CH10 doco above .. he states 'Emu Plains' , yet the video shows view from an aircraft landing at 'Emu Desert, SA ' .. :) . Much detail accuracy from that exercise is still clouded 50+yrs past .......................... My grandfather an electrician there, a friend on 'works' ....

[@JBofBrisbane]

Correct name is Emu Field - remote location in South Australia. Not Emu Plains.

[@stevehatfield117]

I think there was some FRAUD involved to get the plane away from the man (team) who went to save the planes AND flew the 1001 to civilization. 1001 may not have been able to "pass" an Airworthiness Inspection; BUT, it performed quite well on its' flight to civilization. How much was the plane (1001) worth on the tarmac at Adelade after the reserrection from the Atomic blast?

[@crunchytheclown9694]

Well done

[@kenclark9888]

Citation with a drag chute?

[@tedsmith6137]

The location is called Emu Field, not Emu Plain or Emu Desert.

[@alexisdeville3605]

Never knew that there were Atomic bomb test in Australia!

[@JBofBrisbane]

Three locations - Monte Bello Islands, Emu Field, Maralinga (you sure you haven't heard the last name mentioned?).

[@kolloduke3341]

WOW what an amazing man , what a sad story I wonder where she is now ? Is she on display ? Was the man ever reunited with her again ? Thankyou for this vid ..

[@Zeynab4906]

Love his passion.

[@MrRotaryrockets]

yes nothing like Radiation to keep you warm and glowing and in the USA they like to see the results close up so they test on their Own Soil..

[@FoolOfGods]

If I may comment on the "... ideal place for the British to test their Atomic Bombs .... the bastards!" you are confusing the British people with the the British politicians - British politicians decided in conjunction with the then government of Australia to undertake these tests NOT the British people - many thousands of British people supported CND [formed in 1957] evidence of this can be found in the Aldermarston March [Easter April 1958] ... as for being 'bastards' the Brits have been called worse by a hell of a lot better!

[@Sledgie555]

what exactly is the point of your comment ? It doesn't look like Allan is talking about you

[@Rigg15]

Seems like any country that has nuclear capabilities doesn't really give a shit about anyone or anything just as long as they get their big bang. I'll bet any of the grunts used to set up the whole thing lacked in the proper proper precautions and safety equipment due to "Ah well they'll be fine attitude". American soldiers as usual got fuct over more times than be counted when it came to working with nuclear technology.

[@me109g4]

Certainly not the Aussie governments finest hr. to be sure,

[@andrewnorgrove6487]

Running rich was an understatement lol I bet there were running normal standard petrol for cars in it !

[@bargainboondocker3420]

Diesel. You can tell by the black smoke. Rollin' Coal. LOL

[@danr5105]

An un-oiled bore (and un-oiled piston/ring and cylinder assembly) will not provide the compression needed to start the engine, something not right here. At 25.20 they talk about one of the P51's (at times they show the earlier A-B model with the flat canopy, and at other times they show a "D" variant and its bubble canopy).

[@mikelastname9109]

Yes it will.

[@datadavis]

fine aussie ingenuity

[@scottgarrity989]

Where are these Mustangs now?Any survivors?

[@uneekcowgirl]

Very sad story, fell so sorry for you folks down under who lost quite a national treasure to asshole buricrates. I never knew the front half of this planes history but I do know the back half. She did continue to fly and fly well. She became a frequent competator in the Reno air races here. She is presently owned by willey Sanders of Troy Alabama, who just passed away this ladt spring. The bird is airworthy and in very good shape but I don’t know what will become of her now that Sanders has passed. This web link I post in the next comment should give readers a sketch of her stateside history.

[@kieronbevan7489]

I can't understand why they ponced up the CAW. Four days after it was sold. I'd be totally pissed off

[@B61Mod12]

We have had a terrible government bureacracy for far too long

[@steveb6103]

Great story I wish it could have stayed . Please restore the video. Now days you could have started a go fund me page.

[@delboytrotter8806]

Well i'll be buggered..........

[@535tony]

The other 5 Mustangs went to America too. What became of those?

[@DrWayne1966]

The clip suggests they were damaged beyond viable recovery.

[@535tony]

The video says they were sent to America to be converted into two seat executive planes, whatever that means.

[@williamhoskins7818]

No good deed , goes unpunished ! As usual, bureaucracy greets with a snarl and ruins it .

[@adrianjackson2696]

Australia was happy with the tests. No Republic.

[@dlw8761]

What happened to the other 5 of them?

[@nelxonmiranda]

Figures they’d need government and bureaucracy’s approval.

[@JohnLee-mq4hk]

The curse began when the Brits tried to to blow it up with an A Bomb and it continued on, such irony.

[@bendover7089]

This reminds me of the heartbreaking tale of the B-29 KEE BIRD.

[@robertheinkel6225]

I saw the video without knowing the ending. During the video, I kept wondering why I have not heard of the aircraft before. The ending left me shaking my head.

[@billchapel7057]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@blueknight505]

so where is it now ? and is going to restored ..