Colombian A.F. P-47s Salvage

HarvardIV · **Joined:** Mon Oct 04, 2004 9:08 pm **Posts:** 1437

Hello:

I found out some info from a 1979 Air Classics Magazine about Colombian Air Force P-47s. Colombian A.F. P-47s were the only P-47s in South America which were dumped in a river. All other South American P-47 were scrapped or exchanged w/ neighboring countries. The majority of all the P-47 used by the Colombian A.F. were dumped in a major river near the Palanquero Air Force base. I called Dave Tallichet about this, and he's interested in partnering up with someone to scan that river and collect some data. I decided not to try it, because of the the reputation Colombia has. If anyone is seriously interested in going there give me a call and I'll coordinate with to see if he'd be interested in sponsoring the trip.

airnutz · **Posted:** Sun Nov 07, 2004 5:29 pm

I've often wondered about float-equipped Junkers, etc. that didn't
make it back from the bush. I was discouraged by the reputed hostility
of the natives and the greediness of the druglords.

It might be easier, cheaper, and healthier to go looking for crates of
P-66's on the bottom of the ocean!

O.P. · **Posted:** Sun Nov 07, 2004 9:24 pm

HarvardIV wrote:

Hello:

I found out some info from a 1979 Air Classics Magazine about Colombian Air Force P-47s. Colombian A.F. P-47s were the only P-47s in South America which were dumped in a river. All other South American P-47 were scrapped or exchanged w/ neighboring countries. The majority of all the P-47 used by the Colombian A.F. were dumped in a major river near the Palanquero Air Force base. I called Dave Tallichet about this, and he's interested in partnering up with someone to scan that river and collect some data. I decided not to try it, because of the the reputation Colombia has. If anyone is seriously interested in going there give me a call and I'll coordinate with to see if he'd be interested in sponsoring the trip.

I'll do it. no sh*t...What are we talking about? Dragging the probe through the river sections? I'll do it. Pay my own way and all. Just say when and where. I'll do it, tomorrow morning. I know it seems like I'm talkin Sh*t, but if this is even remotely true, I'll do it. I want one too. I'm ex-infantry, I know it doesn't mean much, but I think it would mean enough. Hook me up Harvard, orvis@super8dave.com...I'll do it....

Tulio · **Joined:** Mon May 03, 2004 1:05 am **Posts:** 3236

Good luck, guys!!

I speak the language, but I would not go into that country, given the conditions there nowadays.

It would be worth noticing that the Rio Magdalena has a strong current, and the P-47s should have moved downstream quite a bit during the last 40 years or so.

If you go, don't forget to coordinate with the Colombian Defense Ministry.

This sounds like the adventure of a life time!

Saludos,

Tulio

HarvardIV · **Joined:** Mon Oct 04, 2004 9:08 pm **Posts:** 1437

Quote:

So it was you who called David he was giving me a hard time about why I didn't tell him about P-47 down in a River

Guilty as charged Mr. Rohr. Yeah I was a little "gun shy" about going to Colombia, and Mr. Tallichet and I were having a hard time meeting in person. Let me know if you change your mind..

HarvardIV · **Joined:** Mon Oct 04, 2004 9:08 pm **Posts:** 1437

Quote:

It would be worth noticing that the Rio Magdalena has a strong current, and the P-47s should have moved downstream quite a bit during the last 40 years or so.

Yeah, we need to do a feasibility study on that part. Evidently the plane will kind of still "fly" quite a distance underwater before they settle somewhere.

Your guess was right Tulio, that is the Magdelena River. How did you know?

Thanks,

Chris

DaveM2 · **Posted:** Sun Nov 07, 2004 11:21 pm

Chris

Bob Ogdens' volume dealing with Latin American Museums mentions several P-47s were dumped in the Magdalena River which runs close to Palanquero. No further info on any attempted recovery by either scappers or preservationists, a matter of finding someone in the vicinity who is in the know I guess.

Dave

HarvardIV · **Joined:** Mon Oct 04, 2004 9:08 pm **Posts:** 1437

Hey Dave

Quote:

Bob Ogdens' volume dealing with Latin American Museums mentions several P-47s were dumped in the Magdalena River which runs close to Palanquero. No further info on any attempted recovery by either scappers or preservationists, a matter of finding someone in the vicinity who is in the know I guess.

Yes, it sounds like this fact is well documented. Maybe Tulio would know more?

homer · **Joined:** Wed Oct 13, 2004 4:52 am **Posts:** 138

ill go

Tulio · **Joined:** Mon May 03, 2004 1:05 am **Posts:** 3236

I wish I had a senorita down south, but there are no senoritas left. (Bad joke, senorita traditionally meant a virgin...)

Well, Rob, remember that LatAm aviation is the area where I spend most of my non-working hours; the secret is out so I can only wish good luck to those who will attempt a rescue down in Colombia.

There are other places (fresh water lakes for example) in Central and South America, where more aircraft lay. Lake Nicaragua of course, is blessed with very aggressive Tiger sharks, so any diving there would be thrilling to say the least.

I know of a diver who, even inside a cage, came out of the lake nuttier than squirrel sh*t, with the sharks being so aggressive.

I have said it before, if is there interest in going anywhere south to rescue anything, I have the right person who can do it. It will cost money but the guy is 100% honest and has a long record of returning warbirds and other aircraft back to the USA.

It must be pointed out too, that the days of the "cheap" warbird found somewhere and bought for a song, are long gone. People everywhere are keenly aware of the price these machines command in the world market. Caveat Emptor as the "chinese" are fond of saying .

Saludos!

Tulio

JohnH · **Posted:** Mon Nov 08, 2004 3:34 am

Ah Colombia, I am fascinated with this place....The deal seems to be the cities aren't bad but it's the frontier country side that is very very dangerous, and is where the war is going on. The food is incredible as is the music and the women are smoking!!!! Want to go badly but am too scared. An American I know just retired earlier this year in Bogota, so far so good.

John

jbasar · **Joined:** Thu Feb 06, 2014 11:12 am **Posts:** 3

Does anyone know the month of the 1979 Air Classics Magazine which includes the article on the Colombian P-47s? Thanks.

wendovertom · **Posted:** Thu Feb 06, 2014 12:47 pm

Columbia! ah, as much as I would love to see more P-47s arounf I think you had best follow a line from "Good night Siagon" and make sure your "arms are heavy and belly tight". Best of luck!

Tom P.

PbyCat-Guy · **Posted:** Thu Feb 06, 2014 3:36 pm

My wife is from the Cali area, and I started going down there a few years before I meet her to ride motorcycles and go to some good beaches. The amazon area is very sketchy, but most of the areas aren't bad to be in. I love it down there, and I'm always trying to look for the P-47 that's on the Air Force base side of Bogota airport. I'll go in heartbeat if something is organized. I'm heading down in a few weeks.

Cubs · **Posted:** Thu Feb 06, 2014 8:47 pm

This thread originated over 9 years ago. Anything happen? The original posters still on WIX?

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