Reflections on an F-4C Inflight Emergency
Abstract
This paper summarizes the highlights of an emergency that occurred on 1 May 1981 in an F-4C assigned to the 159th Tactical Fighter Group, Louisiana Air National Guard. The aircraft, in which the author was flying as an observer, sustained structural damage during the course of a severe out-of-control gyration caused by extremely violent uncommanded pitch oscillations during high- speed, low-altitude flight. Following these events, the aircraft was returned to controlled flight and safely landed at NAS New Orleans. The author is a senior staff member of The Rand Corporation specializing in operational matters of concern to the tactical air forces. He was flying in the aircraft that experienced the emergency with the approval of the National Guard Bureau to enhance his appreciation of fighter employment techniques in connection with his work on Rand's Project AIR FORCE research contract. He has written previously on Soviet and Israeli tactical fighter training and is currently engaged in a study of threat issues bearing on USAF fighter force modernization. Although a civilian with no military background, he has flown extensively in numerous types of USAF fighter aircraft and is a licensed FAA Private Pilot.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA116873
Entities
People
- Benjamin S. Lambeth
Organizations
- RAND Corporation