It certainly did happen, although I don't have any references to hand. It was actually OC Eng Wg in the cockpit, and not only wasn't he strapped in, but the seat was either inert or had been replaced with a makeshift stand-in (stories vary), the canopy had been removed and he had no radio. Apparently he was helping attempts to find a sporadic fault that only showed up during take-off, accidentally got one engine into reheat, and found himself heading towards a bowser that was crossing the runway. He landed under power after a couple of circuits and did indeed have a nervous breakdown, but as I understand it eventually returned to duty.
Hopefully having learned that 'management by getting stuck in with the troops', whilst usually admirable, does have its limits...
EDIT Ah, several other people have posted much more detailed and accurate versions of the story, including Wg Cdr Holden's own words.
Last edited by Satellite_Driver; 22nd Aug 2008 at 15:10.
Reason: More accurate gen posted!