From WBIR; 
Remote Area Medical's vintage plane grounded indefinitely
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A local organization known for helping people around the world could use a little help itself..
Remote Area Medical's recent free clinic in New Orleans was a huge hit but the group also took a hit. Its main mode of transportation is now grounded.
Shortly after take off from Knoxville last week, RAM ran into some engine trouble and made a precautionary landing in Chattanooga.
The vintage plane hasn't flown since.
Stan Brock, Founder of Remote Area Medical says, "This is a charitable organization. It takes a lot of money to keep it running. When you have a $50,000 disaster like this, it's a big hit for us."
Aircraft mechanic Tim Grater has been taking apart the engine to try and figure out what went wrong.
Everyone else is trying to figure out how to pay for its repairs.
Grater says, "It's cylinder failed and dispersed metal and aluminum fragments throughout the engine."
"It's just another day in the world of a World War II C-47," adds Grater.
A semi tractor trailer carrying dental equipment for the clinic also broke down in Birmingham, Alabama and can't be fixed.
Still, the week long clinic in New Orleans still went on as planned with 1,350 volunteers from 40 different states helping out.
More than 10,000 hurricane evacuees got eye exams, glasses, medicine, dental care and general check ups.
"The people were absolutely wonderful despite all the hardships they had. They were so grateful in such good spirits it was amazing," says Brock.
RAM has clinics planned for Greeneville and Morristown in the near future.
Brock says, "After 21 years of doing this sometimes you run into a few blocks in the road. It's a big set back for us for the moment but I'm sure with the help of the public we'll move on and be back swinging again."
Robin Murdoch , Reporter
Last updated: 2/14/2006 7:21:24 PM
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Hope they can get things squared away.
Robbie
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