U-2 crash in Asia

[tlax25]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050622/ap_on_re_mi_ea/spy_plane_crash

Hope all the U-2 driver's from the board are ok.

RIP.

 

[KigAir]

Do U2s have ejection seats?

 

[FracCapt]

Do U2s have ejection seats?

Yes, they do. There was an incident a few years ago where a U2 went down, but the pilot ejected. If I remember correctly, it was in Korea. Somebody please chime in with specifics.

 

[dtfl]

yeah..hope everyone is ok. I was watching this unfold real time on the Classified IRC chat in our Command Post while working last night....was very upset and shocked when they posted the local military found the pilot.

 

[Huggyu2]

The pilot was not a flightinfo.com member.

 

[SIG600]

Any idea why he didn't/couldn't get out?

 

[Huggyu2]

The investigation is ongoing, and these things are really tight-lipped, as you already know. Combine that with the fact that it is taking place 12 time zones away, and you'll understand that even leaks are scarce. As of today, we still don't know if he ejected or not. Once it becomes known (and releasable), I'll update.
Muff was a top-notch guy. A former enlisted Marine, who flew Gunships prior to the U-2. He's been in The Program for a long time, and was a friend. He is missed.

 

[GVFlyer]

U-2 Mishap

The investigation is ongoing, and these things are really tight-lipped, as you already know. Combine that with the fact that it is taking place 12 time zones away, and you'll understand that even leaks are scarce. As of today, we still don't know if he ejected or not. Once it becomes known (and releasable), I'll update.
Muff was a top-notch guy. A former enlisted Marine, who flew Gunships prior to the U-2. He's been in The Program for a long time, and was a friend. He is missed.

Sorry Huggy, I know the pilots in the U-2 Program are a tight community.

GV

 

[Terp737]

Huggy,

Sorry to hear about the loss. Glad it wasn't you.

Cliffy

 

[dtfl]

Well.....turns out it was a buddy of mine.
Sucks...

 

[semperfido]

A former enlisted Marine, who flew Gunships prior to the U-2.

h-u2,
very sorry. must have been really good at everything he did.
sfdo

 

[Huggyu2]

Yes, he was. I think he was a TOW gunner in the USMC. He hasn't flown Gunships in over 10 years, but I heard a Gunship pilot less than a year ago mention that Muff was the best pilot he'd ever flown with. He could play the guitar, and his bench press was 360+ lbs.

 

[crudeoilpilot]

Very sad indeed. My condolences to his family and fellow patriots.

I was a mech on black airplanes at B.A.F.B. 95903 in the early 80's.

 

[bssthound]

My condolences, Huggy, and your brethren. We corresponded awhile back about my former roommate who flies the U2; I'm TDY in the Caribbean, saw a blurb on CNN and called his wife. My heart goes out to all of you, you never get used to it.

 

[FastCargo]

Huggy,

I'm sorry to hear about Muff, we contacted Ole right after we had heard about the crash. Didn't know who until just now. Condolences to the bros at the RW.

FastCargo

 

[Huggyu2]

Thanks folks, for your words.
Yes, Bssthound, I do remember you.
FastCargo, and anyone else that cares, the funeral is tomorrow at 1000 in Dock 3 on the flightline. His wife wants a jet there, so we thought that would be perfect. Burial will follow in Gridley, just north of Yuba City, with a 4-ship of Black Talons overhead.
If you've got any pics of Muff, please email them to me or my work email. Even if he's just in the background. His wife wants anything we can get.
I'm giving a short eulogy tomorrow. Please pray that I can pull it off.

 

[SIG600]

It's gonna be hard, no one will hold it against you if you gotta stop every now and then. I'm buring a friend in Arlington next week... always sucks. Condolences to all you guys that new him, and espeically his family.