Tank Explosion In OR

[clinto]

I met Steve last year at the Louisville, KY MVPA National Convention and saw him again in Topeka this year. **** of a nice guy.

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

A parallel thread can be found it the Chaplain's Corner.
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showth...board-1944-M-18-Hellcat&p=1787457#post1787457

I would suggest that this thread be reserved for ARMOR FORENSIC discussion, and the other be dedicated to the personal and spiritual aspects and fall-out from this tragedy.
I will default to the decision of our other Moderators.

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

A parallel thread can be found it the Chaplain's Corner.
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showth...board-1944-M-18-Hellcat&p=1787457#post1787457

I would suggest that this thread be reserved for ARMOR FORENSIC discussion, and the other be dedicated to the personal and spiritual aspects and fall-out from this tragedy.
I will default to the decision of our other Moderators.

Having referred this to a seasoned Moderator, we agree...

PLEASE address your ARMOR and FORENSIC concerns and discussion in THIS THREAD.

Whereas, as intended in the Chaplain's Corner, let's keep our spiritual and condolence posts over in that thread, found in the link above.

Thank you all for your cooperation and concern.

John
SS Chaplain.

 

[Austringer]

Heard the one survived long enough (not sure which one) to say what happened. Also from what I've heard it was a hang-fire and the breech was opened too soon and it went off with it open. Not sure how far along in the process of removing the round was when it went off.

j.

 

[BnaditCorps]

Well I am thinking that the breach exploded, misfire, or a hang-fire.

But the odds of a breach explosion are very small, rules that one out for the most part.

Misfire, Not very likely, especially with the attention to detail on the shells. Unless the original shells were being used, then all bets are off.

Hang-fire would be it in my opinion, maybe something got the powder wet and thus it didn't go off for 'x' amount of time agreed on by both of them. They went to remove it, and well, here we are discussing it.

 

[kubotaman]

I heard the loader was killed instantly and Steve died after.

 

[o1951]

Question for former tank men - what is the useful life of shells?
We should try to find out age of the shells they were firing.
I know with small arms, really old stuff can hang fire or misfire.

 

[B3.3T]

a full investigation is under way. Maybe we should just wait for the facts.

 

[Jeepsinker]

Old shells are just like old explosives and the like. They may still work, but they are way more dangerous. 40- 50 years in proper storage is pushing it as things start to degrade such as powder and primers regardless of storage conditions. 99% says they were shooting hand loaded rounds and something wasn't right with the shell in question. In case you hadn't noticed, Cabelas' doesn't carry anti armor artillery rounds anymore, that's why I'm saying handloads.

 

[Steve Greenberg]

Hello,
I am in contact with Steve's family and will pass on your thoughts and prayers.
Thanks,
Steve

 

[jdmcm]

Thanks Steve, I think that is appreciated by everyone in the MV community.

Regards
John

 

[Jeepsinker]

What a shame what happened to these two good men. I sure hope ATF doesn't go after everyone that has things like this now just because of one tragic incident.

 

[wanderingwillys]

I've seen the machine in question several times at the last two Portland, Or conventions and actually saw them hauling on a lowboy a few months back on I-5 - it is a very well done restoration and it is obvious from the attention to detail they do not cut corners.

I was very sad to hear of the situation and pass my condolences on to both families - while a full investigation of what the issue at hand that caused the explosion will no doubt be undertaken; the number of live pieces like this in private hands make a short list so I don't know how many specific lessons can be learned as each situation is fairly unique...

That said a hang fire is undoubtedly the event with the greatest risk, uncertainty, and potential for catastrophe that anyone could attempt to successfully manage.

Again I just want both families to know the entire OD community feels for their loss as it was plain to see how much passion Steve (and Austin as well I would gather) had for sharing this stuff and preserving history.

Matt

 

[red]

Sounds like a hang fire being removed from the breach too soon or a hot load are the most likely culprits.

 

[kubotaman]

What a shame what happened to these two good men. I sure hope ATF doesn't go after everyone that has things like this now just because of one tragic incident.

I agree. Hopefully politicians won't get involved etc, etc. This is NOT meant as a political post.

What are the chances that the breech exploded?

 

[red]

Possible. A hot load can blow up the breach. Metal fatigue in older parts are much weaker, making it more likely to happen.

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

NOTICE:

BEFORE POSTING, please re-read posts #22 & #23 (quoted below)

Keeping the separation of these two topics is intentionally defined. Your cooperation is appreciated. Thank you.

A parallel thread can be found it the Chaplain's Corner.
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showth...board-1944-M-18-Hellcat&p=1787457#post1787457

I would suggest that this thread be reserved for ARMOR FORENSIC discussion, and the other be dedicated to the personal and spiritual aspects and fall-out from this tragedy.
I will default to the decision of our other Moderators.

Having referred this to a seasoned Moderator, we agree...

PLEASE address your ARMOR and FORENSIC concerns and discussion in THIS THREAD.

Whereas, as intended in the Chaplain's Corner, let's keep our spiritual and condolence posts over in that thread, found in the link above.

Thank you all for your cooperation and concern.

John
SS Chaplain.

 

[Steve Greenberg]

Hello,
I will post the details for the Celebration of Life ceremony for Steve. It will be in a couple weeks or so.
Steve

 

[wanderingwillys]

Thanks for keeping us up to date Steve - I know there are lots of folks here in the PNW that are interested in showing their support

 

[Steve Greenberg]

Hello,
Please join the Preston Family for a celebration the life of Steve Preston. Tuesday, November 17at 1:00pm Service will be in Hall D of the Portland Expo Center, 2060 N Marine Dr, Portland, OR 97217. (There will no charge for parking)

https://www.facebook.com/events/183254965348826/

We are planning a procession of both military vehicles and tow trucks. At this time I do not know how many will be able to participate the procession due to permit issues. It will more than likely be a limited number. If so, everyone is welcome to go to the Expo Center in an MV. I will update this as soon as we get all the information.


For those of you who have contacted me to express your condolences to Steve's family I have done so for everyone of you. Sorry if I was able to get back to you.
Hope to see you all there.

Austin Lee's Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 PM this coming Sunday, November 8, 2015 at the Tumwater Room, 211 Tumwater Drive, Oregon City, OR 97405.

There is a go fund me account set up for Austin Lee's family:
https://www.youcaring.com/margaret-e...bob-lee-458959

Thanks,
Steve Greenberg