Forum: F-16.net feedback

Wasn't sure where to post this but this looks to be as good a place as any...

I was perusing the Mishap database and wanted to provide some input on a couple of mishap comments.

The incident with the G-suit interfering with the side stick happened to 87-0369, the one that crashed at Carswell and fragged the B-52s on alert. USAF pilot in the front seat was giving a USMC pilot(?) a ride in the back seat. "Passengers" are instructed to sit with their feet off the rudder pedals, and this Marine was very tall, like 6-4 or something, so his long legs put his right knee up next to the sidestick. I was told the Marine had the "wrong" type of speed jeans on but I honestly don't know what was wrong with them. (are USMC g-suits different than USAF? and will they even connect to the F-16's g-suit hose?)

Anyway, pilot comes in low over the field and loads up the jet. Marine's suit inflates, presses against the stick and rolls the jet hard right. Pilot is not expecting this roll input of course, and can't compensate in time. Jet goes in mid-field, killing both of them. No radio call, no sign of trouble, just boom. The debris sprayed the B-52s sitting alert at Carswell, doing minor damage to the bombers. Since they were on alert they were 'hot' and 'loaded' ifyouknowwhatimeanandithinkyoudo....

I was working at GD at the time and, while I wasn't directly involved in the investigation, I know the folks in the PVI group and the sim lab spent long hours in the sims trying to figure out what happened until they narrowed in on the G-suit angle.

I don't know what happened to 85-1451 - the jet that the g-suit incident is attributed to in the database.

I was also working there (GD) when Joe Bill Dryden went down in 90-0832. That was a very sad day at the company, no one would talk about what happened because no one wanted to say that Joe Bill had "screwed up"... Sad

GregD

F-16.net Sponsor

Well Greg,

And this isn't meant just for you, but for all people who want to update on the mishaps or serials database. The best way to provide these updates is to post your comments in the 'errors & omissions' box below at the page of that particular aircraft. That's easier for us to work with. Off course, nothing forbids you to post it in this topic.

Greets,

Small addition.

Like you already said, we also know that Bill made a mistake and that his accident was categorized under what is known as 'pilot error'. However, the policy of F-16.net is not to mention the name(s) of the pilot(s) when the accident has been categorized as pilot error, or when we do mention the name(s) in that case (as with Bill), we do not mention the fact that it was pilot error.

Why? First of all we do not want to confront people who are very close to the person (relatives and other) with this fact. It's not that comforting to read that your husband or dad was killed in an accident because he 'screwed up'. On the other hand we also don't now how far liability issues reach. So for not hurting anybodies feelings, we just keep it at that.

Greets,

Understand. Maybe I should have said "screwed the pooch" - same result. I certainly meant no disrespect towards JBD in that comment.

Joe Bill was very highly regarded at GD/Lockheed, in the worldwide F-16 community, and in the local (Fort Worth TX) community. Lockheed still honors his memory with the annual Semper Viper award (from Code One magazine):

Quote:

The award pays tribute to F-16 pilots demonstrating airmanship skills noteworthy of its namesake, the late Joe Bill Dryden. A selection panel from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company evaluates candidates who carry on Joe Bill’s tradition of excellence in airmanship and system knowledge. Applications should include complete information describing particular missions or outstanding aviation skills demonstrated by the nominee.

Yes we know. One Belgian fighter pilot received it. The, later astronaut, Frank Dewinne. If I recall he was the first non-american pilot to recieve the award and to my understanding he is still the only one to date.

Concerning JBD. I know you didn't mean te be disrespectfull. Just clearing the f-16.net policy for everybody.

Greets,

Quote:

Like you already said, we also know that Bill made a mistake and that his accident was categorized under what is known as 'pilot error'.

Can anyone tell me where I can find info on the investigation conclusion of JBD's crash. I was in Security at the time, and we were tasked with securing the scene until AF got there. I know what I saw and heard. I would just like to see proof.

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