Pilot Greg Fletcher recalls crash landing iconic C-117D in Iceland

In the early morning of November 21, 1973, a United States Navy DC-117D transport aircraft crashed onto Sólheimasandur beach located on the south coast of Iceland due to severe icing conditions that affected engine functionality. During this incident, pilot Greg Fletcher, who was undergoing training at the time, commandeered the aircraft with seven crew members on board. The plane was unable to restart its engines, prompting Fletcher to search for a safe landing area. The crash resulted in a bizarre and improbable turn of events as the wreckage eventually turned into a significant tourist attraction despite its grim history. Over the years, the wreck of the C-117D has intrigued visitors, becoming a well-known icon alongside the natural beauty of Sólheimasandur. While the aircraft accident report confirmed that ice accumulation in carburetors was responsible for engine failures, Fletcher expressed amazement at how this tragedy has attracted so many people despite the seriousness of the accident. On his return to the site after 50 years, Fletcher reflected on the emotional impacts of revisiting the scene of his crash, adding that he was excited to set the record straight about the true circumstances behind the event. The iconic status of the wreck has cultivated a unique and somewhat paradoxical relationship with the local culture, as visitors flock to the site to learn about the past while witnessing its melancholic beauty. Years later, Fletcher, who later pursued a legal career post-military service, is now involved with author Christine Negroni, who is documenting stories from her decades of reporting on aircraft crashes. Together, they aim to reconstruct Gleaming a historical context around the event. Despite its grim past, the area where the plane wreck sits has transformed into a symbol not only of survival but also of intrigue, as countless tourists are drawn to the site. Fletcher's memories and experiences contribute a rich narrative that reflects on human resilience and the complex nature of aviation disasters that impact those directly involved and the public at large.