Tornado Incident
I have just seen the following report on the Sky News website;
CRASH JET CREW SAFE
An RAF crew was forced to land a Tornado jet without wheels after a mid-air scare during a training exercise.
The pilot and co-pilot issued a Mayday after discovering they were unable to lower the undercarriage.
The crew burned off excess fuel to lighten the load of the jet and reduce the speed at which it had to travel in order to land.
At the same time ground staff at RAF Leuchars, Fife, launched the base's station emergency plan.
Rescue Sea King helicopters from RAF Boulmer in Northumberland and the Royal Navy rescue flight at Gannet, Prestwick were scrambled.
On the ground fire, rescue and medical teams were put on stand by.
The Tornado landed on its underside on the main runway travelling at just under 200 mph.
The two-man crew stepped out apparently unhurt and were taken for a routine medical examination.
An RAF spokesman praised the crew's response.
He said: "They did a very professional job to get themselves and the aircraft down safely.
"All aircrew train for exactly this emergency although it is a very unusual event."
Obviously pleased to see that the crew got out safely and without injury.
Anybody got any more info on what happened?
Also, I am not a pilot, but do work in the industry, and find a landing speed of ' just under 200 mph' a little excessive, even for an aircraft with problems. Does this sound right to you guys who do the driving, or is this a bit more artistic license from the Journo's??