Another amusing SR-71 story - this time from "Blackbird Rising" by Donn A. Byrnes and Kenneth D. Hurley. Late in 1965 or early in 1966, the third SR built ('952 for those who are interested) was undertaking some high-altitude, high-speed testing over New Mexico. During a turn, the inner engine inlet "unstarted" increasing the bank angle beyond the point at which recovery was possible. The SR then split into two parts just ahead of the wing. Although ejector seats were fitted, both occupants were unconcious and unable to eject: one survived when he was thrown clear of the aircraft, sadly the rear-seat occupant died.
Many thousands of feet below the stricken SR-71, a number of commercial aircraft were flying. The radio comments apparently went something like this:
A/C: "Albuquerque Centre! Albuquerque Centre! This is XXXX. There has been a huge explosion out here at an altitude way above us."
There was a long pause and then a tense but controlled voice from Albuquerque Centre came on the air, "Ah, XXXX, please disregard."
A/C: "Albuquerque Centre, you don't understand. It's a big explosion and there are parachutes and debris falling."
Another long pause before Centre replied, "Ah, Roger XXXX, please disregard."
A/C: "Albuquerque, there is something bad happening and you better get someone out here immediately."
Yet another long pause, then "Ah, XXXX, this is Albuquerque Centre, please disregard."
After a long pause, another aircraft reported: "Albuquerque Centre, this is YYYY. We didn't see it too."
I'd give 11 out of 10 to the ATC'er who remembered their security briefing on SR-71 flights!
Enjoy!
MD.
(Apologies to all the Americans for spelling "Centre" correctly all the way through - but I'm too lazy to go back and fix it!
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