Do Not Pull to Eject!
Time for another Sierra Hotel instalment of not so great moments in aviation.
In November of 2002, an F-14D from VF-213 squadron, was giving a Familiarization Flight to an officer from one of the Aegis Class Cruisers. Unfortunately sometime during the flight; the passenger's harness straps were not properly adjusted, and while in the midst of a negative G push, he began to float out of his seat. In a regrettable attempt to readjust his position, he reached down and grabbed the first item he could reach...a yellow and black stripped handle.
Within a millisecond, the now ballistic passenger was no longer in the Tomcat, but traveling away from the F-14 in a most expedient manner. Thankfully, his chute deployed properly, and he touched down with nothing more than minor injuries. The ejected passenger was rescued in a short amount of time, and the Tomcat was recovered without further incident, after the pilot enjoyed a nice sunny convertible ride back to NAS Fallon.
The End...
In November of 2002, an F-14D from VF-213 squadron, was giving a Familiarization Flight to an officer from one of the Aegis Class Cruisers. Unfortunately sometime during the flight; the passenger's harness straps were not properly adjusted, and while in the midst of a negative G push, he began to float out of his seat. In a regrettable attempt to readjust his position, he reached down and grabbed the first item he could reach...a yellow and black stripped handle.
Within a millisecond, the now ballistic passenger was no longer in the Tomcat, but traveling away from the F-14 in a most expedient manner. Thankfully, his chute deployed properly, and he touched down with nothing more than minor injuries. The ejected passenger was rescued in a short amount of time, and the Tomcat was recovered without further incident, after the pilot enjoyed a nice sunny convertible ride back to NAS Fallon.
The End...
Someone slept through the cockpit safety orientation…
Short in the headset!
Classic case of FUBAR
in the military they say SNAFU..
Never let a shoe in the cockpit!
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