There we were in Asmara Ethiopia.  We had a heavy load and full tanks and the airfield was on a hill.  It was also very hot and aircraft don’t climb real well in extreme heat.  Ham Holland was the Pilot/aircraft commander.  When we took off I noticed ( I was standing between seated pilot and copilot which is against regs but again I was 23 or so and quite immortal.  

I immediately noticed the ground was climbing at the same rate we were.  (not gaining altitude).  The pilots began puckering a bit and I could feel concern   I decided to sit down and strap in.  We just barely cleared the trees on the hill we were supposedly climbing over. 

Suddenly the ground disappeared as we got over the hill. Whew. That was close.  Rest of flight uneventful. But again I thanked God, Ham Holland and our overpowered Herky Bird.