HUD footage from Macchi crash

[Sqwark2000]

I think right at the end when pilot says "You ready with me?" there's a distinct "Oh F@#k" coming from the back seat... fully justified as well I'd say

[Miatamad]

Correct

There was an OHHHHHHHHHHH F##K from the back seat at the end.

[flyinkiwi]

Here's an article about the engineering work that took place after the event to prevent future recurrences:

IPENZ Engineers New Zealand

[mickjoebill]

Hope you dont mind these questions

If it is important to eject simultaneously why is there not a single control that activates both seats?
What are the consequences of not ejecting simultaneously?
Is it feasible for rear seated crew to eject "early" but pilot stay with craft a little longer in an effort to save it?!!

In watching a few ejection videos it seems that immediatly prior to ejection that speed is not always traded for height, is slower and higher is a good idea or is a nose up attitude at moment of ejection undesirable?


Mickjoebill

[gerry111]

MJB,


I think that it all depends on the particular aircraft. For example: When I had a 'jolly' in the back seat of a RAAF Mirage in 1980, it was important for the back seat to leave before the front as there were conflicting flight paths for the then Martin Baker Mark Four seats.


I managed to score a flight in a RNZAF Skyhawk in 1981. With that aircraft there was no conflict that I remember. Only the professionalism of the Captain making sure that his crew abandoned ship before him! I think that the same applied to the RAAF Macchi flight that I scored in 1978.


Being then young and more adventurous, I wouldn't have minded being the first Australian troop to score a Martin Baker tie. Bravo Miatamad!

[Miatamad]

So many questions

So many questions and so many variables,. In the 339CB there was a command eject where the rear seat handle could activate both seats. There was no 'flight path' conflict as the rocket packs were set up differently for the front and rear seats (from memory rear seat went left front seat went right).

Mostly it was based on crew....the engine start functions were only in the front seat (everything else was pretty much replicated front to back) so often the instructor was in the rear. Command eject meant the instructor could eject both occupants but the student couldn't eject the instructor. OR the seats could be set to fire independently especially useful when non-aircrew went up they were obviously in the back (as the start functions were in the front the pilot had to sit in the front).

There was a blast screen between the two cockpits so there was no timing issue.

That's what my old memory tells me.

[Miatamad]

rewards

for what it's worth ........ got these out of my adventure (assuming the link works)

https://www.facebook.com/stephen.gyd...4660708&type=3

[gerry111]

Miatamad,
I couldn't get the link to work. But I'm fascinated in your adventure that day.

[Traffic_Is_Er_Was]

In watching a few ejection videos it seems that immediatly prior to ejection that speed is not always traded for height, is slower and higher is a good idea or is a nose up attitude at moment of ejection undesirable?

It's a bit dry and long, and may not be that relevant nowadays, but this may answer some of your questions:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09Dc...FA8A2A&index=3