Us Official Photographs

Sgt James G Frost in blacked-out hangar

Working during the night on damaged "079" in blacked-out hanger, mechanics replaced the stabilizer in about 8 hrs. & the plane was ready to fly the next morning. In this picture, Sgt. James G. Frost, of Pleasanton, Calif., has placed the old stub on a complete elevator-stabilizer assembly to show how much of the tail was missing on the ship. Engineering officers said they "didn't think an airplane would fly without a right hand stabilizer!"The little stub that was left didn't afford much lift, & because of its rough edge, it provided a drag & actually did more harm than good", one engineering officer explained.