About to land safely after being hit by a SA-7 surface to air missile on 1 May 1986 Photograph: Captain William Good collection

In 1986, while on a flight to Ondangwa at about 8000ft, Dakota C-47 #32961, SAAF 6855 was hit by a SA-7 missile. The explosion ripped off most of the tail. To add additional pressure, the Dakota was full of military VIP passengers including the Chief of the Army.  The aircraft commander, Capt Colin Green slowed the Dak down to 100kts in order to keep it under control and called for help. There was a chopper in the area which formatted on him and relayed the damage to him. The chopper also took these images.

Ordering the passengers around to regulate the Centre of Gravity, and using flaps and power to control the pitch, Captain Green eased the aircraft onto the tarmac. He was later awarded The Chief of the SADF Commendation for his exceptional flying skills.

Safely down

The extent of the damage

Left to right: Loadmaster NSM Private Walsh, Captain Colin Green and co-pilot Lt Mark Moses. (Photograph – Captain William Good collection)