DAMAGED F-111 To Attempt Risky Landing!, page 1

posted on Jul, 18 2006 @ 12:03 AM

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The damage to the aircraft is comprized of a missing wheel from one of the rear landing gear. The jet has been circling at the Amberley RAAF base at high altitude until the runway could be prepared for a landing.

www.news.com.au
The jet, which has been circling for some hours after damaging its undercarriage on takeoff, is understood to be trying to attempt an aircraft-carrier-style landing. That is expected to involve using arresting wires strung across the runway and designed to rapidly slow the plane. The strike jet, based at RAAF Amberley, lost one of its wheels on takeoff and has been circling at high altitude before attempting to land.

It is understood the damaged undercarriage was inspected in mid-air by another F-111 crew trying to assess the damage. Earlier today, an Air Force spokesman said the jet was circling and burning off fuel "as a precaution".

The plane, which early this afternoon was making high passes over the base, is expected to attempt a touch down shortly.

Please visit the link provided for the complete story.

This is a risky maneuver for any aircraft and is one that would raise the concern that once the landing is in progress would the pilot still be able to eject should the landing go awry.

Related News Links:
www.theaustralian.news.com.au

www.news.com.au...

[edit on 18-7-2006 by the_sentinal]

[edit on 7/21/06 by FredT]

Browno

posted on Jul, 21 2006 @ 08:00 PM

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Maybe the pilot was a wannabe naval aviator and damaged the undercarrage by mistake

Or maybe he was trying to re-enact the 1965 flight test of the proposed Naval
F-111B Aardvark landing on the USS Coral Sea.

TSR2005

posted on Jul, 22 2006 @ 02:32 AM

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Never mind...my bad

[edit on 22-7-2006 by TSR2005]

watto

posted on Jul, 22 2006 @ 03:59 AM

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Was there and watched the whole thing.
It certainly did do a belly landing and came off pretty much unscathed considering the risks involved.
After doing a few dry runs they used the hook to catch the cable and bring it to earth with a bit of a bump.

Video links all over this page.
abc.gov.au...

Currently trying to find a link to the interview with pilot and nav.
Found, also has good footage of the actual touchdown.
news.ninemsn.com.au...

There is a better interview though....

[edit on 22-7-2006 by watto]

Willard856

posted on Jul, 22 2006 @ 05:18 AM

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Funniest thing was how the navigator seemed to get out of the jet and about 100 metres away while the pilot remained in the cockpit. Guess Navs have a healthier appreciation of self-preservation. You can't beat experience!