Ground crews needed to create a  runway with tracked equipment not designed to operate in the low temperatures at that time of year, the aircraft controls had to be "jerry-rigged" when the flaps were frozen in position after landing, and instruments were not reliable because of the cold. When they saw a "faint pink line on the horizon" they knew they were going in the right direction. This was the first rescue from the South Pole during winter.
To create a runway at the South Pole, ground crews used tracked equipment not designed for the harsh winter conditions.  Aircraft controls had to be modified because landing flaps froze, and instruments were unreliable due to the cold weather. When they saw a faint pink line on the horizon, it indicated they were heading in the right direction. This marked the first rescue from the South Pole during the winter season.