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P51 would not be fun to ditch because of under fuselage air scoop. Spitfire same problem maybe to a lesser extent. All USN fighters pretty good.
why would anyone accept vectors in an engine out scenario when you apparently can see the ground? I've worked similar situations as an ATC and it's the pilots call ,how are you supposed to control a powerless aircraftGreat topic!
I think it is very easy to underestimate just how difficult and dangerous ditching at sea is for a pilot.
A good friend of the family was killed along with his daughter's best friend in the Bahamas ditching a 172 at night in the sea after engine failure. His daughter was the only survivor. Sad thing is he was over the beach at around 3am when it happened. He requested to set it down on the beach but ATC vectored him over the ocean to attempt a runway landing. I always think about that when ATC issues me instructions during stressful times. Good way to keep in mind that you as the pilot are responsible for the safety of the flight, not ATC.
Interesting article on the subject of ditching. There is some controversy on the best techniques to use. The technique probably has more to do with the outcome than the aircraft I would think.
EQUIPPED TO SURVIVE (tm) - Ditchings - a Case History and Review of the Record
All the best,
Crumpp
why would anyone accept vectors in an engine out scenario when you apparently can see the ground?
Hey Crumpp, I'm really, really sorry to hear that story
I've seen films of a B-29 ditching... looked to me like a piece of cake.
I don't know what the priorities are for the FAA but for UK military ATCOs the No 1 is always "Aircraft in Emergency" and (in general terms) your first action is get the distressed aircraft pointing towards the nearest airfield.
However, we have a serious thread drift situation going on here……….
There were some court battles and IIRC some members of your former colony ended up paying.
Charles, is that the piece when the '29 ditches along, and just off, the beach, behind a long line of accommodation tents? All the off-duty guys turn and watch the proceedings with intense curiosity! I think it's Saipan. If so, Yes, that is real well-controlled ditching, although how deep the water is I don't know; I don't think its too deep and everyone should have got out of that one.