Both tragic and strange

[capmaj]

Very tragic and strange accident involving a Royal Air Force Red Arrows pilot today.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/mobile/topnews/2011/11/08/red-arrows-pilot-killed-after-he-s-ejected-from-his-aircraft-while-on-the-ground-115875-23546896/

[jks19714]

I just covered ejection seats and other assorted ordnance last month in my Squadron safety meeting (part of an ongoing ground team safety talk that I'm doing).

Guess this will be an object lesson to the cadets in this week's briefing.  May the pilot rest in peace.

john

[titanII]

I've heard/read more than one good pilot say "I'd rather stay with the plane than eject."

[SarDragon]

I've heard/read more than one good pilot say "I'd rather stay with the plane than eject."

And what is the relevance to the posted occurrence?

[bosshawk]

One: ejection seats are not without their danger: they rest on explosive charges.

Two: I have many friends who are alive today thanks to the Martin-Baker Mk V seat, which was in all of our OV-1 Mohawks in the Army.  I also have had friends killed in ejections: usually because of unusual attitudes or insufficient altitude.

May God be with his soul and with his close relatives.

[titanII]

I've heard/read more than one good pilot say "I'd rather stay with the plane than eject."

And what is the relevance to the posted occurrence?

I was remarking on the danger of ejection seats.

[PHall]

I've heard/read more than one good pilot say "I'd rather stay with the plane than eject."

And what is the relevance to the posted occurrence?

I was remarking on the danger of ejection seats.

They're not dangerous when used properly. Just like any other piece of equipment on the airplane.
And they can be deadly if they're not used properly. (i.e. out of the envelope ejection)