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Up and away – RAF hero soars clear of death
AN RAF pilot described yesterday how he risked his life by ejecting from a Harrier jet as he tried to avoid crashing into a civilian passenger aircraft in its path.
He was coming in to land at Kandahar airfield in Afghanistan when the engine on his £20m jet failed and he was forced to make an emergency landing.
The Harrier scraped along the runway at 80mph on collision course with the civilian plane, which had eight people on board.
He stayed in his cockpit until the last possible moment before ejecting on his rocket-fired seat as the Harrier burst into flames which were later extinguished. He rose 300ft into the air before his parachute opened and suffered a back injury in the incident last Wednesday.
The pilot’s bravery meant the Harrier missed the other aircraft by 30ft before he ejected.
The pilot, who did not want to be named but is thought to be from No 1 (Fighter) Squadron based at RAF Cottesmore in
Rutland, said: “I tried to control the aircraft after the undercarriage collapsed, but when I saw the fireball I knew it was time to eject.
“There was a pop and rush of air, then everything went quiet until the parachute opened seconds later. I couldn’t feel any pain.”
He added: “I am very relieved that everything worked perfectly and my training kicked in. I’m especially grateful to the medical services and everyone involved for their prompt action.
“I’m fine; just minor injuries. I’m hoping to resume flying in a couple of months.”
An eyewitness took dramatic pictures of the incident.
The MoD said a board of inquiry has been set up to investigate. “At this stage all we can say is that it was not caused by enemy fire,” said a spokesman.
Jon Lake, a defence expert who was taught to fly by the RAF, said: “It looks like the Harrier suffered engine failure which is an extremely rare event, especially when landing, so the pilot is lucky that he only suffered slight injuries.
“The Harrier hit the ground so hard that the undercarriage must have broken away. It is likely he was injured then, rather than when ejecting.
“The plane was carrying external fuel and live, laser-guided bombs so the pilot had a narrow escape. This incident shows the efficacy of ejection seats.”