And what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
Assigned 71st FIS, 1st FG, Malmstrom AFB, MT. During a training mission on 2 Feb 1970, this aircraft suddenly entered an uncontrollable flat spin forcing the pilot to eject. Unpiloted, the aircraft recovered on its own, apparently due to the balance and configuration changes caused by the ejection. It continued to fly straight and level until it ran out of fuel. It miraculously made a gentle belly landing in a snow-covered field near Big Sandy, MT. After minor repairs, the aircraft was returned to service. It last served with the 49th FIS before being transferred to the USAF Museum in August 1986 where it is on display to this day. (USAF Photo)
OOOOPs!
ReplyDeleteIs that the plane that went down by Box Elder, MT in '68 or 69?
ReplyDeleteThe Cornfield Bomber...
ReplyDeletehttps://www.historynet.com/f-106-the-cornfield-bomber/
If you walk away, it’s a good landing.
ReplyDeleteI walk by it on a regular basis - it is at the Air Force Museum (restored)
ReplyDeleteDidn't the pilot bail out of that F 102 and the plane landed itself?...
ReplyDeleteThat is an F-106
DeleteF-106 - squared off tail
DeleteAssigned 71st FIS, 1st FG, Malmstrom AFB, MT. During a training mission on 2 Feb 1970, this aircraft suddenly entered an uncontrollable flat spin forcing the pilot to eject. Unpiloted, the aircraft recovered on its own, apparently due to the balance and configuration changes caused by the ejection. It continued to fly straight and level until it ran out of fuel. It miraculously made a gentle belly landing in a snow-covered field near Big Sandy, MT. After minor repairs, the aircraft was returned to service. It last served with the 49th FIS before being transferred to the USAF Museum in August 1986 where it is on display to this day. (USAF Photo)
ReplyDeleteDidn't run out of fuel. See the black burn behind the tailpipe? It was found with the engine idling.
Delete"We haven't left one up there yet." - USAF Safety Officer
ReplyDeleteOh Sir!... SIR!... You Can't Park There, Sir.
ReplyDelete