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Convair F-106 Delta Dart
- Thread starter Mike H.
- Start date
Talyn
SAINT
More on the "Cornfield Bomber"...
In Montana, on February 2, 1970, an F-106 Delta Dart fighter jet, after its pilot ejected due to a flat spin during a training exercise, miraculously landed itself in a field. The incident, nicknamed the "Cornfield Bomber", involved the aircraft recovering from the spin, leveling out, and making a gentle belly landing in a snowy field.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
en.wikipedia.org
Just like a good ranch horse that knows where the Home Barn is, 58-0787 was just trying to get back to base after its rider got thrown from the saddle.
Back in "19" I visited my Big Sky Country's notable contribution to the National Museum of the United States Air Force where it is on permanent display.
In Montana, on February 2, 1970, an F-106 Delta Dart fighter jet, after its pilot ejected due to a flat spin during a training exercise, miraculously landed itself in a field. The incident, nicknamed the "Cornfield Bomber", involved the aircraft recovering from the spin, leveling out, and making a gentle belly landing in a snowy field.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- The Incident:
Captain Gary Foust was piloting the F-106 during a training mission when the aircraft entered an uncontrollable flat spin.
- Ejection:
With no other options, Foust ejected at 15,000 feet.
- Self-Recovery:
Against all expectations, the now-pilotless aircraft recovered from the spin, leveled out, and flew for approximately 50 miles before making a gentle belly landing in a field near Big Sandy, Montana.
- "Cornfield Bomber":
The incident earned the aircraft the nickname "Cornfield Bomber" or "Wheatfield Fighter".
- Recovery and Return:
The aircraft, with only minor damage, was retrieved, repaired, and returned to service. It was later retired and is now on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
- Ground Effect:
Experts believe that ground effect, a change in aerodynamics as an aircraft nears the ground, may have played a role in the successful, albeit unpiloted, landing.
Cornfield Bomber - Wikipedia
Just like a good ranch horse that knows where the Home Barn is, 58-0787 was just trying to get back to base after its rider got thrown from the saddle.
Back in "19" I visited my Big Sky Country's notable contribution to the National Museum of the United States Air Force where it is on permanent display.
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