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been damaged but did not know what it was,” said pilot Duncan McLaren. “The machine was beached as rapidly as possible on a very rocky shoreline.”
Within weeks, McLaren returned to Richmond Gulf for CF-BMI’s rescue. Four hours after arrival, the Model 18 floated, ready to go. Tides and 55-mph winds prevented takeoff and forced the three-person team into a pup tent but CF-BMI “... seemed to be weathering the blow safely.” When they awoke, the crew was mortified to find one wing standing vertically in the water, the other pointing up and one float completely submerged. For some reason, the float covers had not been re-attached.
“It is my opinion that the aircraft would be broken up very quickly by the combination of rough water, currents and tides and water,” concluded McLaren. Accordingly, Waco biplane removed him and his party, and the company ordered another Model 18 to be registered CF-BVM (s/n 18D-169).
During delivery from Long Island’s Roosevelt Field, the intense 37°C outside air temperature solidified breather lines and caused CF-BVM’s left engine failure November 27, 1941. Hardened summer lubricating grease – fine for Wichita but not for subzero cold – accounted for further damage when landing gear would not fully lower. Repairs completed, the crew anticipated departure for Winnipeg but mysterious flames during the night of
Jan. 23, 1942, rendered a “Destroyed by Fire” verdict. Inspectors suggested a dropped cigarette may have been the cause. Twice bitten, the Hudson’s Bay Company moved on to other makes.
Nevertheless, the Model 18 matured through incredible hardships, and 8,980 went to military and civil users in 32 versions before production ceased November 26, 1969. The twin-tail silhouette and slender airframe spread the Beech reputation worldwide thanks to the basic design drafted by Beech and Wells. No one loading freight from snowbanks or boulder-covered shorelines could have envisioned the remarkable capacities, speeds and pressurized comfort of the future King Air line.KA
Robert S. Grant has published over 2,500 articles featured in magazines, journals and newspapers within six countries, as well as producing five books. He flies contract aircraft from his home near Ottawa, Canada, when possible and his logbook shows over 22,200 total flying hours which include 500 hours in the Beechcraft King Air 100A and King Air 200 models. Having worked worldwide in various aircraft types, Grant prefers flying in African countries, in addition to Canada.
MARCH 2023
KING AIR MAGAZINE • 31