Harrier Down

[feet dry]

Afternoon all,

Just picked up a whisper ref a Harrier down in Oxford, any news?

Not a journo, just an interested party.

Regards

Feet dry sends

[JNo]

Heard the same on the rumour mill but nothing more.

[G-CPTN]

Both crew said to have ejected at low level. Roads closed.

[Randomtox]

Hopefully the crew are ok. Any news as to a/c type ? Heard it was a Harrier - but can't confirm that

random

[wilmot]

Hope the crew got out without being hurt, used to work on them a long time ago, good bunch of boys:confused:

[Jonty]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/5177868.stm

[egbt]

Live on Radio Oxford now 17:38
Harrier down near Sturdeys Castle Pub

At least one OK, crashed in the road, coming from the north

Estimated ejected at 100ft @ 45degree angle and landed 2 fields away (aircraft engineer & airfield fireman reporting)

Confirmed by him as a single seater

[View From The Ground]

5 News reporting a Harrier as well.....hope the crew escaped unharmed!

[pshakey]

BBC Reporting crew of 2 ejected near a pub. Fingers crossed they are ok.

[Where R We?]

RAF plane crashes near rural pub

A RAF plane has crashed in Tackley North of Oxford, according to eye witness reports.

People at the scene say the pilot and co-pilot ejected while the plane was very close to the ground.

The plane then crashed near Sturdy's Castle Pub on the A4260 in Tackley on Friday evening.

A spokesman from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that firefighters are at the scene of the crash off Banbury Road.

Best of wishes to all and hope they are both okay.

[Now a 'J' Bloke!!]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/5177868.stm

Hi Gang;

BBC reprt at the above. Crew seemed to have got out.:ok:

Standard of reporting woeful as ever (Friday???):ugh:

More LAter;
'J' Bloke!!:cool:

[G-CPTN]

http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30000-1227678,00.html?f=dta

[egbt]

Sky news report MOD confirm Pilot ejected safely, confirmed as a single seater

Edit 17:55: witness report that a/c tried to get into a hover just before the crash.

[egbt]

Pilot reported to be in the Pub, scratched but OK

GR9 (MOD)

For those that don't know the area this would be about 2 miles N of Oxford/Kidlington airfield

[nick0021]

Sounds like the harrier landed on a road, and may have even hits cars. Fingers crossed there are no casualties.

[G-CPTN]

witness report that a/c tried to get into a hover just before the crash.
Probably going for a pint . . .

[G-CPTN]

According to 'reports' on the R&N thread, the pilot might have been trying to put it down on the road (went into the hover?).

Eyewitness Matt Gray told the BBC News Website: "It seems the aircraft did a fly-by of Oxford Airport first before circling around - possibly to join the traffic pattern for landing.

[HeliEng]

Saw it happen.

All very fast, quite frightening.

Definately saw one chute, and a HUGE fireball!

I just hope that everyone is O.K.

[Mead Pusher]

The latest we have heard at RIAT is that it hit a car, but that the driver went to the pub after the accident - could be rumour, but if true I can't say I blame him!

[HOODED]

Can anyone confirm this was a single seater as I've seen reports it was a two seater, though thankfully both pilots were allegedly seen to eject.:confused:

[egbt]

Can anyone confirm this was a single seater as I've seen reports it was a two seater, though thankfully both pilots were allegedly seen to eject.:confused:

Sky news reported an MOD statement that it was a single seater GR9. I suspect the witness was looking at the Pilot + the seat and thought it was 2 aircrew.

[A2QFI]

When I worked in the GR7/9 sim at Wittering we sometimes gave an emergency which results in 500 lbs of useable fuel, regardless of the amount indicated on the gauges. This was commonly given on the way back from Holbeach to Wittering and pilots sometimes did a slow landing on a fenland road. Flat, straight and of course, no traffic in the sim database, to complicate the issue.

[FormerFlake]

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/RafPilotEjectsFromHarrierGr9.htm

Confirmed by MOD as a GR9, so probably an F3

[egbt]

When I worked in the GR7/9 sim at Wittering we sometimes gave an emergency which results in 500 lbs of useable fuel, regardless of the amount indicated on the gauges. This was commonly given on the way back from Holbeach to Wittering and pilots sometimes did a slow landing on a fenland road. Flat, straight and of course, no traffic in the sim database, to complicate the issue.

Witness reports indicate that it was training smoke and coming from the North, tried to get into a hover then he ejected.

[rudekid]

A2QFI

Thanks for that- it's really helpful...:rolleyes:

When I was a hercules pilot, we sometimes landed in the desert. Maybe the GR9 mate should have flown to Blackpool instead of crashing in Oxfordshire to replicate this technique.

Anyone else got anything pointless? Anyone else once worked in a sim? I haven't. We don't have traffic in our sim database. Nor do we have space stations. I like to get my hair cut on Wednesdays.


More importantly, hope the mate isn't injured, nor any bystanders. Another big thanks to Martin Baker.

edited for extra sarcasm.

[Razor61]

MoD state that it was a GR9 from Cottesmore inbound to RIAT.

[G-CPTN]

I suspect that, without sims, the world of military flying would be poorer.

[Spurlash2]

Rudekid
A2QFI was alluding to the training that pilots go through. If they get a snag that does not necessitate a MB exit, there is a possibility that they may be able to save the jet with a landing on a road, if one is adjacent.
Why the sarcastic, unwarranted post?:confused:

[iccarus]

Interesting that it was reported to be trailing smoke!!
Heard that less than 7 days ago, another gr9, straight out of servicing had confirmed engine fire indications(CWP and visual) before making an emergency approach to the secret oxford aerodrome!
But thats just what i heard!

[rudekid]

Because it doesn't bring anything to the thread apart from mindless speculation. A2 QFI doesn't even express any concern for the pilot/s or bystanders. All it does is tell you that he knows more about Harriers than you. So what...So do all Harrier pilots. Notice that he doesn't say he's a Harrier Pilot...

I don't like speculation prior to an official announcment that the mate is okay, that's all.

Drawing a line under this. Back to thread.

[Colonal Mustard]

next thingis (in the best traditions of pprune) we`ll get a cause of the crash in within 5 hours...btw hope all on ground are ok:D

[G-CPTN]

Wonder if the CAR driver will be breathalysed (and subsequently charged with causing the collision)?

[egbt]

next thingis (in the best traditions of pprune) we`ll get a cause of the crash in within 5 hours...btw hope all on ground are ok:D

News reports indicate no serious injuries on the ground and as per precious post Pilot OK.

[SASless]

Sounds like this Harrier pilot has the makings of a good helicopter pilot....when you land out...look for a good pub adjacent to the point of landing. I hope he is quite pickled by the time the nose pickers show up asking questions!

That was some dramatic entrance....should have the Bar Maids all aglow!

Can he claim the beers as some sort of JPA expense?

[G-CPTN]

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showpost.php?p=2716330&postcount=7541

[6nandneutral]

Hope he's ok and that he didn't get picked up on a speed camera as my wife did recently.

[Op Tastic]

So, we're all areed:

It's a GR9-F3-J-Spectre, four seat, rotary, twin pilot trainer.

Crew OK - fact (I know).

Pub making the most of media attention - is it Shepherd Neame and what is tonight's special?

Car driver working out what to say to the insurance company.

By the way, is the ejectee given some brief flying-leave (due to G-induced stresses), or is it straight back into the cockpit?

[Vim_Fuego]

Was watching Sky news when the 'Breaking News' banner slew into view with the Harrier down claim...The newsreader (bloke) broke away from his story to inform us that it was beleived to be a 2-seater and therefore probably a reconnaissance mission....

I've got a ladybird book of aircraft...please Sky broadcasting...employ me as your military expert :D

[L J R]

Your'e not a real Harrier pilot until you have crashed one at an airshow.


Hope the Pub's bitter was tasty.

Glad to see he that he appears OK. An ejection D is ALWAYS the right one.!

[Spurlash2]

So, Rudekid,

Your post actually made a positive contribution to the thread.

Did it?

[Colonal Mustard]

From the BBC

"Witnesses at the scene said that as they ran towards the explosion a man who told them he was an off duty police officer staggered up the road towards them.

The policeman's Ford Escort was spun 360 degrees by the force of the blast."

Me thinks the pilot saw the plod who issued him a speeding ticket the week before:E

[stickmonkeytamer]

Speaking from experience LJR??? :ouch:

[Standby!]

Quite a nice pub, but beer a tad expensive (even compared to London). Bet the tight fisted Portuguese owner didn't provide a beer on the house! Hope RIAT charges the pilot extortionate admission fees now s/he has to drive.

Glad the pilot ok in all seriousness.

[dolphinops]

The best part of the Sky report was the excited newshound reporting that the aircraft was "screaming across the countryside". My sources say otherwise.:ok:

Glad the pilot and the off duty copper both OK.
Bet it made both their eyes water!!

[Zoom]

"....a man who told them he was an off duty police officer staggered up the road towards them."

So the copper had been to the pub as well. This just gets curiouser and curiouser.

[clicker]

Well at least they can use the hip flask defence at the BOI. Which is the drink taken after the offence "to calm the nerves"

[G-CPTN]

Apparently, the downed pilot borrowed a mobile 'phone to call his base and 'report in'. Was HIS out of credit?

[Uncle Ginsters]

Glad to hear all are OK.

Another well-informed Sky News quote:
"It seems as though there were sparks coming from the left engine"
Bugger me! That could be the cause! Bit of a tech oversight though, fitting two engines :}

Uncle G

[Stitchbitch]

:ok: Nice one Wittering Armourers and Squippers :ok:
Glad to hear the pilots okay. Wonder what he/ she said as they walked up to the bar?
" Hi, I'm a Harrier pilot..." :}

[ORAC]

I see, according to the reports, he heroically stayed with the aircraft to steer it clear of the pub. D*mn good show! Nice to see someone who has his priorities right for once, avoiding the important places, rather than worrying about schools. :D

[FJJP]

The Telegraph reports that a witness[?] speculated that he stayed with the aircraft to steer it away from a nearby village... Bet there's a primary school there, with all the kids out in the playground.

A previous ejectee from Cottesmore DID steer his ac away from a village before banging out, but failed to get the obligatory mention in the media!

Glad the bona mate and copper are OK. Nice to hear a happy ending - life more important than a piece of kit...

[DKP1]

Did he borrow a mobile phone because it's so complicated to claim back costs on JPA.........

[clicker]

Wonder what he/ she said as they walked up to the bar?

"Anyone own a escort in white, I've just scraped the paintwork getting my beast into the car park and need your insurance details to claim on JPA"

[SirPercyWare-Armitag]

Wonder what he/ she said as they walked up to the bar?

"Lets sit around and yarn about how amazingly attractive I am"

[Confucius]

Presumably according to the pilot, given that it was a Harrier, he didn't crash at all.

The Earth came up and hit him.

[Tim_donovan]

Saved by the bell. With Farnborough only a week a way some people go to
great lengths just to get in the Martin Baker Tent for Lunch. Will the MoD pay to get him through the gate thou?:confused: :ok:
Thank Fu*k for Martin Baker seats that's all I can say. Friday lunch should be a good.. :ok:

[SaddamsLoveChild]

Guys, can I just ask that you dont cast aspersions on the policeman, I have met him and he is one of the few coppers I would trust when deeply in the s:mad: t. I had a panicky email from a very good friend of mine, his family and very young daughter were most distressed and if his insurance company dont cough up in full for the car 'act of God' ,then he will have to claim throught the PCM chain and that will take years as we all know how slow that machine works. Stuart is not a traffic cop he works alot harder and with the ****tier end of society. The fact that after his incident he was walking towards the site of the crash should tell you something about him.

All were lucky, all were blessed and I just hope that no long lasting effects are felt by either of them.

Fly safe to those that do:ok:

[threepointonefour]

Confucious,

Nice one.

[blue up]

Quote...
"his family and very young daughter were most distressed and if his insurance company dont cough up in full for the car 'act of God' ,
Act of Harrier Pilot, Act of God. Please explain the difference.:E :E

[movadinkampa747]

The fact that after his incident he was walking towards the site of the crash should tell you something about him.



He was walking the wrong way perhaps?

[Trevors cat]

Local Knowledge:

I happen to live very near where the accident happened, but t'wasn't there at the time. Have been speaking to a fireman who attended the scene though.

Also read in the local rag (Oxfords version of The Evening Standard) that the car involved was not hit by debris but spun off the road whilst being distracted by said aircraft coming over his bonnet at a disturbing speed. It is in the papers so it must be true. (In other words, THE PILOT DID NOT CAUSE ANY CASUALTIES <from my information>)

Also on a humourous note, a witness said that the aircraft was trying to land at Oxford Airport (Kidlington) but the runway was too short. Erm.... a Harrier? But He must know about aviation and what was going through the pilots mind because he was a witness.

Well done to the pilot for selflessly avoiding plenty of obstacles (woodstock, Kidlington and several other villages/houses/businesses). Respect.

Get Well soon RAF Hero.
TC

[Skeleton]

Serious head on - Glad the pilot got out.

Naughty head on - But as sure as the earth is round stand by for lots of hand wringing and "The pilot or his jet were not to blame - they can't be, God said so"

His Red Arrows tour depends on it!

Love the comment the earth came up and hit him!! :p

[Stitchbitch]

trev's cat .... enjoy pastures new...eek:
damned tihs wne Jap termilan..bllocks.:D

[High_Expect]

mate, only heard through the rumour mill.... but good to know you're ok.

regards.

( you're bound to read this )

[harrogate]

Considering the car was still driveable, this surely goes down as a kill for a Ford Escort against a GR9 in a dogfight?

Will the copper etch a kill onto his driver-side door?

[Paradism]

I don't wish to take anything away from the Harrier pilot and am happy that he is unscathed and that there are no other casualties. However, as far as public knowledge is concerned, it is pure speculation that he/she steered the aircraft away from villages, schools etc.

Knowing RAF pilots as I do, it is quite likely that is indeed what occured but at this stage we have no certain knowledge that the pilot had any control of the aircraft at all. Indeed, once he/she had ejected, the aircraft was certain to crash and and could have flown for miles once the pilot has decamped.

I'm sure all will be explained in due course.

[dontbelieveitatall]

I agree with the post by Paradism.

To witness that waffling sqn ldr on the tele about 'skill and training of the pilot' allowing him to avoid all 'this and that' was absolutely pathetic. Where was he brainwashed? He has clearly read too many 'Boys Own' comics or Biggles yarns!

Does anybody on earth seriously think that the pilot, whilst travelling at mach whatever, could seriously look at his map in the second or two available to him, and identify a school at map reference whatever and then seriously take the time to avoid hitting the thing? Seriously? Really seriously? Very, very, seriously?

The truth will out in due course and it will be on the lines of, ''S*** i'm in trouble and getting out right NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!''

MOD PR so often destroys any credibility it has when they put up some jerk to utter useless and untruthful statements.

PS: Of course, it is great that the pilot escaped with his life.

[Frosty Hoar]

I agree with the post by Paradism.
Then you are also a moron.
To witness that waffling sqn ldr on the tele about 'skill and training of the pilot' allowing him to avoid all 'this and that' was absolutely pathetic. Where was he brainwashed? He has clearly read too many 'Boys Own' comics or Biggles yarns!
What do you expect the guy to say?
Does anybody on earth seriously think that the pilot, whilst travelling at mach whatever, could seriously look at his map in the second or two available to him, and identify a school at map reference whatever and then seriously take the time to avoid hitting the thing? Seriously? Really seriously? Very, very, seriously?
The pilot was possibly able to look out of the window if slow enough....
The truth will out in due course and it will be on the lines of, ''S*** i'm in trouble and getting out right NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!''
Well reasoned...
MOD PR so often destroys any credibility it has when they put up some jerk to utter useless and untruthful statements.
Could be a career opportunity for you
PS: Of course, it is great that the pilot escaped with his life.
Agreed, congratulations on your post.

[A2QFI]

I have 2000 hours experience of low level flying in FJs and feel qualified to comment here. A pilot, flying at low level, would not use a map to identify a school and avoid it! In UK almost anything larger than a very small village has a school in it; one would want to avoid the whole place and would try to do so. With a zero/zero ejection seat it is possible to delay ejection if neccessary. Why not wait for the findings of the BOI, instead of speculating about what may have happened and guessing at the pilot's thoughts and actions, which are as yet unknown? In the final analysis we have a lost a/c and have a damaged car with a shocked driver, and it could have been much worse.

[artyhug]

Told you it wouldn't be long before you got that tie..........

And I guess that means you won't be humping any legs for a while!

Good to hear you're ok obviously...........;)

[Focks 2]

Does anybody on earth seriously think that the pilot, whilst travelling at mach whatever, could seriously look at his map in the second or two available to him, and identify a school at map reference whatever and then seriously take the time to avoid hitting the thing?
The general idea is to avoid any building, as most of them could contain humans. No-ones going to sit there looking for the local school (unless your that way inclined) when your strapped into a flying machine that no longer works. :hmm:
Glad that crewman is servicable. :ok:

[ShyTorque]

If the earth really did come up to strike him, then surely the village would have run away from HIM?? :p

[movadinkampa747]

How inconsiderate of this GR9 pilot to crash his aircraft on the way to RIAT. Does he know how annoyed razor61 is at causing such an inconvenience to him. see here (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=234805). I think the pilot concerned should publically apologise to razor61 and refund his 30 quid.:ok: