Originally Posted by
higthepig
Had a F15E land at Valley in the late 90s without the WISO. They had a bird strike near Aberystwyth at LL, the WISO left quickly as they thought it was all going badly wrong. Aircraft minus 1 POB, made a silky smooth landing and then the pilot gingerly stepped out of his duck struck aircraft quickly, not knowing if his seat might depart. The canopy frame was still there, but most of the canopy was shattered and no doubt spread over mid Wales and the oggin. It spent a few weeks in the hangar being repaired before it left with the correct compliment of crew again.
I remember it well as I was working in the hangar at the time. It was interesting to see how differently the USAF maintainers worked; we'd have sent about 6 bodies and I think we hosted 20+ USAF personnel! It great fun going to the pub with them, good bunch!