Hi Gerry, my dad remembers this plane crash from the 60's. I've read through the posts so far. A piece of information that is missing from the tale is the following.
He remembers following the plane as it came in over Shanballymore hill. Travelled over the village of Gort na Goyne and off towards Tuam, then came back via BallinLass. The pilots jettisoned the canopy which landed in a field in Ballinlass outside Dunmore. This was subsequently recovered and brought back to the plane. However reported at the time, was that the flare gun, which had a fitting on the inside of the canopy was missing! My dad did try and find out from locals around the area where this might have gone, but didn't get anywhere. Hope this adds to the story.
He also says that there was a picture of the plane given to the Garda Siochana via the Equadorian embassy (presumably from the Air Force) and hung in the Day Room at the Garda Barracks in Dunmore and believes it may still be there. Sgt John Byrne was the Sgt at the time, and he retired to Newbridge Co Kildare. I hope all this helps.
