Pontius,
The involuntary Lightning ride is definitely true...as I heard it, from several widely spaced but believable sources over the years, the chap did not have a seat or canopy, was sitting on a box !!!
So, no harness, and no chance of a barrier landing.
Reports differ as to whether he had some light aircraft handling experience beforehand.
It took a few attempts to land, including scraping the tail, but he made it.
Sadly, I hope this is wrong but I've also heard this from several sources, the experience affected him very deeply afterwards, basically ruining the rest of his life.
Truly sad after 'getting away' with what most would think a certain death situation, but understandable.