Above: Removal of victims at the 1949 Mann Gulch Fire. USFS photo.
Along with an article about Monday’s death of Robert Sallee, the last living survivor of the 1949 Mann Gulch Fire, the San Francisco Chronicle has a gallery of nine photos related to the fire, Mr. Sallee, and the investigation. Some of them I don’t remember having seen, like the one above.
Earlier this week we wrote about the passing of Mr. Sallee.
Rosie, thanks for the links, very interesting reading and history!
Thanks for the information to answer my questions.
I flew in the 47s starting with the army in 1968 and various models up to the turbine one in about 2004. That full bubble gave one great visibility. Once in a great while I see one flying around.
Bell 47B-3
http://www.buffaloah.com/h/aero/bell/source/8.html
http://www.aviastar.org/helicopters_eng/bell_47b-3.php
http://all-aero.com/index.php/contactus/35-helicopters/copters/1468-bell-47
Going back and looking at Bell historical films, it looks like a Model 30, except for the front cowl modifications. Had to be a first for sure though in Montana. Great old picture.
I’ll try to find out. I am pretty sure its a Bell. I believe this is the first helicopter to ever fly in Montana.
Thanks for the historical photos and story. Does someone know the make and model of the helicopter? It was well before my time.
Christian Sorensen, over on Facebook, wrote: “That is a Johnson Flying Service helicopter which was flown by Johnson Chief Pilot Jack Hughes.”
But that still leaves open the question about make and model.