BLUF
In 1964 a B-52—the US's primary long-range bomber—landed safely after having its vertical fin ripped off by air turbulence.Summary
Dario Leone writing in the Aviation Geek Club, makes the following points:
- The aircraft was being used to test the B-52's ability to handle severe air turbulence.
- Turbulence resulted in the aircraft losing its vertical fin.
- The damaged aircraft's crew risked their lives to ensure the flight data was preserved.
- The crew stayed with the aircraft instead of ejecting.
- The data confirmed that no aircraft could be made safe from extreme clear air turbulence.
- Future flight plans would still need to avoid turbulence.
References
- MILITARY HISTORY: INDEX of PAGES AND COLLECTIONS ON THE RAAF RUNWAY
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Source Information:
- Article Source: The Aviation Geek Club - Stories and News for true aviation Geeks
- Media Check: About The Aviation Geek Club (No Media Bias Fact Check)
- RAAF RUNWAY: RATIONALE, GUIDELINES, LEARNING OUTCOMES, ETC | The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
