SUD-EST SE-210 Caravelle (N1014U)

On 9/11/62, N1014U was involved in an accident while landing at Cleveland's Hopkins Airport after a flight from Chicago. During the landing roll, both front wheels separated from the nose gear and the gear then collapsed. There were no fatalities or injuries to anyone on board the flight; however, N1014U sustained substantial damage. The subsequent investigation determined that incorrect maintenance had led up to the accident. N1014U was repaired and went on to fly for United and then several other agencies before finally being broken up in the 90s.

Gary, that's an outstanding commentary on this photo... of which this is also an amazing image given it was sourced from original Kodak 620 film prints!!!

Hiya, Cliff. TY for the comment & compli. Yep, these came out well. Hey, Cliff, do you by chance happen to know which FA member it is who is a fan of trains? I don't know anything about trains, but I've got an oldie pic here I took in '65 of a locomotive and I'm told it is a "BALDWIN 260." I recall there is someone who is an FA member who also likes train pics but I don't remember who. Might you know who it is/was?

Gary... you are most welcome... and any compliments regarding your photography is well deserved.

My apology as I must confess that I'm drawing a blank here on which FA member is a fan of trains and locomotives. I would enjoy seeing that photo, however. Perhaps you can e-mail a copy to me when convenient... :-)

By the way, how many FA members remember that the nose and cockpit design of Sud Aviation's SE-210 Caravelle was "borrowed" from de Havilland's Comet jetliner?

Thanks Gary and Cliff, exactly so in regard to owing much to the DH Comet in regard to both the cockpit design and the nose shape. Apart from the distinctive shape of the passenger windows, it has always impressed me why the long distance between the main forward passenger entry door and the cockpit? (No flight engineer station aft of the pilots, unlike the Comet). More cabin length than would be ample for a forward galley plus a forward toilet...I still recall watching the later Caravelles departing out of SYD for Noumea (less than a three hour sector)in the mid 1980's, while doing preflight walkarounds on the F27, just 500yards away. Impressive!

Chris... you certainly had a cat bird's seat to viewing the Caravelle!!! Your experienced and informed comments are noteworthy to say the least. I've read the Caravelle's unique passenger window design resulted in a smaller and lighter window that offered the same downward visibility as conventional designs. This too - the Caravelle was the first medium size airliner with jet engines mounted aft on the fuselage!

Howdy, Chris. I'm in agreement w/Cliff. You had the up-close-and-personal views of these wonderful j/liners. And TYVM to both of you for the added info. In ref to the engines, did you both know that when UA placed its purchase order with Sud, the United order specified that its Caravelles be equipped with thrust reversers? The one shown here in my pic is a V/R; earlier variants of the Caravelle did not have reversers; they deployed a drogue parachute after touching down and relied on the brakes and the chute to stop them. There are vids on the web showing the earliest models landing and deploying the drogue chute; click the link below and at the end of the vid the Caravelle lands and taxies with the chute. (Oh, and PS to Cliff .. It is Dwight. And I'll certainly send a shot to you so watch your emailbox.) (Wave)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CAX-V_7S9g

5* Gary, one from the Gman archives again.