Mario Stoppani miraculously survived a plane crash in the sea, clung to the wreckage amidst sharks, and was rescued by Kurt Grosschopff and his crew in their Dornier Wal flying boat.
The German crew of the Dornier Wal flying boat Samum / D-AFAR
"Participated in the search and rescue operations of an Italian aircraft that had to ditch in the Ocean due to a breakdown and was subsequently destroyed by a fire that developed on board.
In difficult sea conditions he contributed to the rescue of the commander of the Italian aircraft, the only survivor of the serious accident.
Example of admirable camaraderie, serene daring and unique expertise."
Cielo dell’Atlantico, 2 febbraio 1938, A. XVI.
"Participated as a radio operator of a German aircraft in the search and rescue operations of an Italian aircraft that had to ditch in the ocean and was then destroyed by a fire developing on board, contributing effectively to the accomplishment of the mission.
In very difficult circumstances he gave proof of an admirable serenity of mind and a high spirit of self-sacrifice."
Cielo dell’Atlantico, 2 febbraio 1938, A. XVI.
The Italian crew of the I-LAMA :
Image Source Wikipedia
On the way home the I-LAMA had a guest on board:
Capitano Viola worked at the Italian embassy in Rio de Janeiro.
According to other sources he was the commander of an acrobatic squad that had performed in South America.
He was invited to fly back to Italy on the I-LAMA.
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This page is in memory of Captain Kurt Grosschopff.
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