Patrouille Suisse F-5E down

[Bob Viking]

subsonicsubic

I think you’re probably grasping at straws there. It’s not a game where you have to think up the most esoteric possible explanation to try to look clever.

For the record I would be truly astounded if mountain waves had anything to do with the crash.

Firstly, the weather looks completely clear (no hint of lenticular clouds, although I appreciate the narrow nature of the photos doesn’t rule it out). Secondly, a mountain wave is incredibly unlikely to cause a fast jet to suddenly stop flying.

Sorry if my reply appears to be a little blunt but I couldn’t help myself.

BV

[Less Hair]

You guys see the flames coming from one or two engines?

[Bob Viking]

Less Hair

Yes. I had noticed the flames. Hence my assertion that the crash most likely had absolutely nothing to do with mountain waves.

In my book it would be a little bit like suggesting a crash over the sea might have had something to do with jellyfish.

If I am proven wrong I will gladly come back on here and admit my error.

BV

[langleybaston]

Mountain waves need long ridges, not sharp fangs.

For lenticular cloud to appear needs sufficient moisture and sufficient vertical amplitude of any wave.

I know nothing about accidents but a lot about mountain wave ........ William of Occam would suggest wave goodbye.

[blind pew]

100% sure that mountain waves had nothing to do with it; not only from theories but from flying through and in them both with heavy and not so heavy metal, sailplanes and very occasionally paragliders.
Mountain Rotor is a different kettle of fish but wouldn’t break something like a fighter; again I flown into them sometimes out of necessity, but also accidentally and for « pleasure ».

[Jack D]

Does this count as a kill for the F-18 ? The speculation about mountain waves etc. amuses .

[phantomsphorever]

Originally Posted by Jack D

Does this count as a kill for the F-18 ? The speculation about mountain waves etc. amuses .

Kill is a Kill!

Aircraft came down like a rock with zero horizontal speed.
Very unusual for an F-5 - even with both engines flamed out you can keep it flying at 250 KIAS in a 10-12 degree dive.
Either there was a massive engine explosion that took out the hydraulics to the rear of the aircraft, or the pilot manouvered it into some kind of (very) nose high attitude and ran out of speed.
With the elevation at around 7000' at the crash site maybe not enough altitude/time to recover once the nose came back below the horizon?

"Mountain Waves" can definitely be ruled out :-) :-) :-)

[Hot 'n' High]

Glad the pilot is safe, even if slightly stirred!

Originally Posted by Bob Viking

..... In my book it would be a little bit like suggesting a crash over the sea might have had something to do with jellyfish. ........

BV, I'd not be so quick to discount that were it to involve Mogwi ..........

Originally Posted by Mogwi

..... Speaking as someone who has seen the wake at over 10 miles on a calm day - oh, and seen 5' on the radalt. From time to time! ......

Happy daze! H 'n' H

[atakacs]

Some pictures of the wreck recovery (they cut it in 3 parts and used a Puma to ferry).

[phantomsphorever]

The Swiss F-5 fleet is apparently back in the air - so I guess we can rule out a technical problem :-)