Originally published at: B-52 Accident At Edwards Air Force Base
Emergency crews responded after the aircraft went down on the airfield.
The nightly news said 8 people were killed. Which suggests the pilot did not give orders to bail out. I realize the time was very short, maybe 20 seconds. But, with ballistic parachutes, all could have left the craft and lived, if the Captain had given the order. Very, very regrettable. Sometimes, imagining the order is a necessity and performing a life saving move for oneself and others. Once in a downward trajectory, it should have been obvious to bail out; that close to the ground. Trainers not doing their jobs, it appears. Crew, not recognizing a downward trajectory near the ground and not acting upon this downward trajectory by ejected out. Yes, it is a hard decision. But knowing the outcome of a downward trajectory is always loss of life, the crew should have bailed and their trainers should have told them of this possibility under a downward trajectory near the ground. The Air Force trainers get an F.
Terry: Google “do b 52 bombers have ejection seats” To see how they work.
Yeah, two of the crew seats eject downward, so at low level, not such a good idea. Try learning the facts before you assign blame.
Mr Welander you know not of which you speak… except perhaps “regret”. It is regrettable that offered your insight into this tragic accident.
Is it normal procedure to fly an airplane with only 5 or 6 ejection seats with 8 persons on board?
The BUFF has 6 ejection seats, 4out the top and 2 downward for the navigator and BN.
There is a provision for a canvas IP jump seat, but with 8 onboard someone was sitting on the floor.
During flight test I’ve stood or keeled on the cockpit floor to monitor flight instruments , but I did so at my own risk.