Brown crashed into a bowl-shaped valley at approximately 40°36′N 127°06′E﻿ / ﻿40.600°N 127.100°E﻿ / 40.600; 127.100,[27][29] near Somong-ni, 15 miles (24 km) behind Chinese lines, and in 15-degree weather.[30] The aircraft broke up violently upon impact and was destroyed.[31] In the crash, Brown's leg was pinned beneath the fuselage of the Corsair, and he stripped off his helmet and gloves in an attempt to free himself, before waving to the other pilots, who were circling close overhead.[16] Hudner and the other airborne pilots thought Brown had died in the crash,[27] and they immediately began a mayday radio to any heavy transport aircraft in the area as they canvassed the mountain for any sign of nearby Chinese ground forces.[32] They received a signal that a rescue helicopter would come as soon as possible, but Brown's aircraft was smoking and a fire had started near its internal fuel tanks.[7][30]