WildcatFan
Active member
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2006
- Posts
- 33
The Fox news theory from a GA mechanic is disgusting. They even rotated the photo 90 degrees to fit their story. I realize this aircraft was highly modified but a stock Mustang seat, which I would guess is engineered to well in excess of 12 G, only adjusts in the vertical. The rudder pedals are adjustable fore and aft, not the seat. Typical lack of knowledge from a media organization in an attempt to get out in front of everyone else.
What's amazing is the quality and sharp focus of that photo (in a vertical dive). When I first saw it, I was convinced it was photoshopped and they forgot to erase the tailwheel, but apparently, it legit!
I agree. I doubt the seat failed and I doubt this aircraft has the control authority to fail the seat, but I consider it irrevelent anyway because an unexpected pull up in excess of 9 or ten G is enough to incapacitate the pilot. Fighter pilots sustain 9G only because they are ready for it. Even the G-suit doesnt help if you dont do your part first. You cant play catch up with 9 g's if you aren't on top of it first. Unfortunately, the pilot in the case most likely wasn't part of the equation after the initial pull up.