When a B-47 Bomber flew under the Mackinac Bridge
As the Mackinac Bridge came into view, Capt Lappo succumbed to a temptation that has flashed through the mind of almost every pilot since the birth of powered flight... called to his crew "I'm taking her under" and pushed the nose of the massive 230,000 pound Strategic Air Command nuclear bomber forward, towards the waters of Lake Michigan and directly at "Mighty Mac" at a speed of over 400 miles per hour. The RB-47 Stratojet screaming just over the whitecaps of the lake, streaked cleanly through the 150-foot clearance underneath the Mackinack Bridge, then pulling her nose up allowing her to climb like a homesick angel.
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Unfortunately, not all crew members aboard were pleased with the Captains decision, namely a new navigator who at the time was not known to be the Generals son...a fact that would have some implications after the somewhat historical flight. That flight was the last flight for Captain Lappo.
Shortly after he pleaded guilty to violating the air force regulation that prohibited flying an aircraft less than 500 feet above the ground or water. Capt. Lappo was put on suspended pay for six months, as well as receiving a formal reprimand, Captain Lappo was forced to surrender his wings.
Caps. John S. Lappo remained in the air force, as an aircraft maintenance officer, and after thirty years of service, he retired with honors as a lieutenant colonel.
Caps. John S. Lappo remained in the air force, as an aircraft maintenance officer, and after thirty years of service, he retired with honors as a lieutenant colonel.
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Tolls for the bridge vary. $2.00 per axle for passenger vehicles ($4.00 per car). $5.00 per axle for motor homes, and commercial vehicles. There is no mention of the toll for six engined Strategic Bombers.
In 59 how could he be a Viet. Nam Vet?
Nobody said anything to Yeager when he did it in Charleston, WV and bragged about it.
Soooo… the navigator turned out to be a true Blue Falcon…
Interesting story, too bad the numerous wordsmith issues made it painful to read.
Name of the Navigator PLEASE
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