Gambell incident facts for kids
On February 27, 1974, a Soviet Antonov An-24LR "Toros" aircraft (CCCP-47195) made an unexpected landing at Gambell Airport in Alaska. This special plane was used for scouting ice. It was carrying three crew members and twelve scientists. The aircraft was on its way to Anadyr, a town in the USSR.
An Unexpected Landing
The pilot faced strong winds and had to change the plane's route. They first tried to land in Provideniya, USSR. However, that area was covered in thick fog. The aircraft was also running very low on fuel. Because of this, the crew chose to land in Gambell, United States. Gambell is about 62 miles (100 km) southeast of Provideniya, across the Bering Sea.
The plane flew straight in for its landing. Just before touching down, one of its engines stopped working. This happened because the plane had almost no fuel left.
A Friendly Meeting
News of the Soviet plane landing spread quickly through the village. Many local people came out to the airfield. There was a friendly meeting between the Russian crew and the villagers. They even exchanged souvenirs. Some locals worked together to bring space heaters and food for the Russian visitors.
During the Cold War
This event happened during the Cold War. The Cold War was a time of tension between the United States and the Soviet Union. It was a period when both countries were very careful about each other's actions. Because of this, an Alaska State Trooper and members of the Alaska National Guard from Nome were sent to guard the plane.
The Soviet Embassy in Washington quickly learned about the landing. They contacted the U.S. State Department and the Department of Defense. The Soviet Union asked for fuel for their stranded plane.
Help Arrives
The United States agreed to help. A U.S. Air Force C-130 plane was loaded with JP-1 jet fuel in Anchorage. It then flew directly to Gambell. There, it refueled the Soviet plane.
The Antonov An-24 was then cleared to leave. It took off at 7:30 PM on February 28. As it flew away, it made a pass over the airfield. The pilot dipped the plane's wings as a way of saying thanks. Then, it flew back into Soviet airspace.
