The Wrath of Mother Nature
It was not unusual to experience damage at Pinetree Line radar stations due to high winds. What is unusual is the apparent lack of a compiled document that provides details indicating "what happened, where, and when". This file contains a summary of "significant" Pinetree Line radar station "wind damage" that is known, and documented, to have occurred in Mont Apica, Quebec.
The following detail has been taken from the Narrative Reports for RCAF Station Mont Apica.
14 Oct 52
A slight earthquake was felt here by most personnel - sufficient to cause hairline cracks in the basements of several PMQs.
15 Oct 54
We received high winds from Hurricane "Hazel".
23 Jul 55
Rain and thunderstorms all day, and such heavy rains damaging roads.
9 Jun 59
Lightning hit our transmitters and put them off the air.
There is no doubt in my mind that there have been other examples of "significant" Pinetree Line "wind damage" which has taken place. As an example, I keep hearing about the Saglek situation – where their height finder was an apparent victim. This unit was located at the edge of a 1,800 foot cliff – so you can imagine the damage to any radar equipment that "went over the side". I continue to hope that some day, some one will provide some "official detail" – and then we will be able to add this occurrence to our list.
If you have any knowledge of other "significant" Pinetree Line "wind damage", please help us out and pass the detail to us – via an email message. Many thanks.