"...he then climbed down to the bottom rung, from which he finally hung by his teeth..."

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Поликарпов У-2 / По-2 - РоссияRussia - 1928

The author (John Fricker), in the Po-2's rear cockpit, and Chuck Thompson discuss the run-in for the water-jump in the first World Parachuting Championships at Lake Bled in August 1951. The Yugoslav Aero Club provided a Polikarpov Po-2 for the event, affording Fricker a rare opportunity to experience the aviation scene behind the Iron Curtain. Chuck unfortunately released his harness too soon on the way down. He went into the lake like a bomb, from about 60ft, but luckily survived with nothing worse than a couple of black eyes.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Поликарпов У-2 / По-2 - РоссияRussia - 1928

John Fricker and Chuck Thompson prepare to take-off for one of the jumps in the First World Parachuting Championships. Note the machine-gun mount behind the rear cockpit.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Поликарпов У-2 / По-2 - РоссияRussia - 1928

The "classic tea chest" - a standard Po-2 in use in the Soviet Union.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Поликарпов У-2 / По-2 - РоссияRussia - 1928