yakhunter
I do not believe there is a hard and fast rule about forced landing v ejection.
I beg to differ
From an AAIB report:
Also, paragraph 5.2 of Chapter 7 of CAP 632, Operation of 'Permit-to-Fly' ex-military aircraft on the UK Register, issued by the CAA, states:
'Forced landings should only be carried out in jet aircraft as a last resort, unless they can be made onto a suitable airfield. If ejection or abandonment is inevitable, every effort must be made to ensure that the aircraft falls into an unpopulated area. ……..'
and
In this event, a successful off-airfield forced landing was carried out at relatively high speed into a partially ploughed field, and the crew exited the aircraft uninjured. Welcome as that was, the prevailing advice indicates that ejecting would have been the preferred option and, in the circumstances, the crew were fortunate to avoid a much more serious outcome.
Of course, you may choose to disagree with the clear CAA and AAIB regulations / advice
On the day, I might also not comply with the above, but as an instructor, I must teach what is written down, and in fact, intend to comply with the above.
I do disagree with your
Leave it too late (below 500 feet) in this mk of seat and you gamble somewhat
I will follow the advice / teaching from my training, and if the engine quits at 120K / 200' after takeoff, I am "out of there"
I am unaware of any unsuccessful, but in limits, Mk4 ejections where 500' would have made the difference, nor any factor why 500' has any applicability?
Of course, in no way am I criticising the crew of this aircraft. They did what they had to do, it worked, and I have no idea of the factors that applied on the day.
NoD