View Full Version : USAF A-10 Pilot Awarded DFC For Wheels Up Landing After Gun Malfunction & Explosion
RAFEngO74to09
7th Nov 2020, 01:07
Secretary of the Air Force
"Presented the Distinguished Flying Cross to Maj Brett DeVries of the Michigan Air Nation Guard's @127Wing (https://twitter.com/127Wing) today. Maj DeVries piloted his A-10 to safety after a failure in the aircraft's gun caused an explosion, jettisoning the canopy and multiple panels. #DFC (https://twitter.com/hashtag/DFC?src=hashtag_click) #ReadyAF (https://twitter.com/hashtag/ReadyAF?src=hashtag_click) #A10 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/A10?src=hashtag_click)
With deft expertise, then-Captain DeVries flew 25 minutes and, unable to lower the landing gear due to the damage, performed a wheels-up emergency landing -- saving the aircraft and walking away with only minor injuries.
Major DeVries' combination of skill, judgement, and selflessness is what earns a Distinguished Flying Cross. His actions epitomize the courage and skills of the @127Wing (https://twitter.com/127Wing), the @AirNatlGuard (https://twitter.com/AirNatlGuard) , and the @USAirForce (https://twitter.com/usairforce) . #ReadyAF (https://twitter.com/hashtag/ReadyAF?src=hashtag_click) "
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1000x750/image_dad46382dc62de15a6689018248f3e84aec3a70b.png
https://twitter.com/SecAFOfficial/status/1324884545968201728
RAFEngO74to09
7th Nov 2020, 01:10
Really well done - should buff out nicely !
blind pew
7th Nov 2020, 05:12
Spent an afternoon anchored on the river Deben along the extended centre line into Woodbridge watching the warthogs recovering...did this thing of rolling inverted and back again during their rejoin..presumed they weren't allowed to do a complete roll. Had an A1O sticker on my crew bag .."UGLY BUT WELL HUNG"...great looking aircraft.
BVRAAM
7th Nov 2020, 08:06
It seems that the only thing that can hurt an A-10.... is an A-10.
An amazing aeroplane and an exceptionally talented pilot to get her down in one piece. Legend.
Doctor Cruces
7th Nov 2020, 09:31
They were designed so they can be landed without the gear down. Not absolutely certain, but I think they can be back in the air in a couple of weeks if not too damaged in the landing. Still amazing skill though even without the extra damage already done.
NutLoose
7th Nov 2020, 09:32
The main gear is designed so you can land wheels up on the proud but retracted wheels. Hence why it’s sitting slightly raised. A bit like a Puma.
Ha ha ha, we posted at the same time, that is correct, bits that scrape are designed to take it and it can be repaired quickly. The wings have triple spars for strength and the cockpit area is an armoured titanium tub I believe.
Most certainly a fantastic achievement.
Interesting that no Distinguished Flying Cross could be awarded to a UK serviceman/woman for such an event as this in a training environment. Since the UK’s version, first awarded in WW1, requires exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy in the air.
Archimedes
7th Nov 2020, 11:00
Most certainly a fantastic achievement.
Interesting that no Distinguished Flying Cross could be awarded to a UK serviceman/woman for such an event as this in a training environment. Since the UK’s version, first awarded in WW1, requires exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy in the air.
It'd be an AFC for UK service personnel, would it not?
DeVries and four other A-10 pilots assigned to the 107th Fighter Squadron at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., were practicing bombing and strafing runs at Grayling Air Gunnery Range when the trouble began, the release said.
On DeVries’ second pass, his gun malfunctioned and the canopy blew off his aircraft. The wind then caught in his helmet and slammed his head against his seat. “It was like someone sucker punched me,” he said. “I was just dazed for a moment.”
The A-10 was then flying at about 150 feet, so DeVries climbed to 2,000 feet and lowered his seat to avoid the wind.
Maj. Shannon Vickers was flying behind DeVries and saw the sudden climb. He flew beneath DeVries’ aircraft and noticed that several covers were blown from the jet when the gun malfunctioned. The two “Red Devils” decided to fly to Alpena to land.
When it was time to attempt a landing, Vickers again flew beneath DeVries’ aircraft to check the landing gear and saw that the nose gear was hung up because of the damaged gun. The pilots determined it was best to land without using the gear.
Vickers then guided DeVries in for the landing. “I flew him down, calling out his altitude,” said Vickers, according to the release. “He came in flat, I mean it was a very smooth landing.”
The Air Force is investigating the cause of the original malfunction. “The A-10 is still at Alpena where it is being repaired and will return to the flying inventory at Selfridge,” the release said.
Two's in
7th Nov 2020, 12:56
Still providing sterling service after 44 years, does exactly what is says on the tin, just a shame it was never glamorous enough for the USAF mafia.
BVRAAM
7th Nov 2020, 14:02
It'd be an AFC for UK service personnel, would it not?
Possibly.... or possibly not.
A few people have said that Dunny was stuffed out of the AFC for this one. This is worth a listen - he talks about the incident in this podcast...
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emergency-engine-shutdown-forced-landing-raf-tucano/id986276568?i=1000419292565
Nige321
8th Nov 2020, 09:38
Does anyone have any thoughts on how the gun exploding took the canopy off?
Over pressurised the cockpit?
Triggered the emergency jettison??