AV-8B Harrier crash...

[Thunderhawk]

Not the standard way to park a Harrier...

http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/04/us/california-military-plane-crash/

 

[redhawker]

Yeah, saw that. What's really a shame is that there's a park across the street and open fields all around those houses. He was probably trying to put it in the field and didn't make it. Glad no one was hurt though.

 

[GunnyGene]

The early Harriers back in the late '70's and early '80's crashed fairly often, most often while in a hover at landing or takeoff. I asked a pilot at Cherry Point one time what it was like to fly one and he said it's like flying a ball bearing. Lose the thrust from a wing tip, nose, or tail and the bird flips over and your done.

Here's the list: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Harrier_Jump_Jet_family_losses

 

[mohavesam]

Yeah, saw that. What's really a shame is that there's a park across the street and open fields all around those houses. He was probably trying to put it in the field and didn't make it. Glad no one was hurt though.

The pilot was UNDOUBTEDLY, ABSOLUTELY trying to avoid the homes. Every pilot I've ever met - military or commercial or private - worst nightmare is dropping onto a home or school or populated building! Long ago I shared stories with a test pilot who confessed he's rather spiral into any open field than glide into a neighborhood full of innocent kids. There are many case of honorable men who've done just that. But when the bottom drops out, gravity wins. It's just that simple.

 

[Thunderhawk]

Agreed Gunny. Back then, the AV-8A was under-powered, thus very touchy to lost thrust. We took the first Harrier Squadron out on float, and had to clear our helos off the deck so the AV-8s could get a running start.

 

[GunnyGene]

Agreed Gunny. Back then, the AV-8A was under-powered, thus very touchy to lost thrust. We took the first Harrier Squadron out on float, and had to clear our helos off the deck so the AV-8s could get a running start.

I witnessed the one at Cherry Point in '80 that flipped and drove thru the hanger upside down. I couldn't believe the mess, and it all happened in a matter of seconds.

It's not reported usually, but part of the issue with VSTOL is ground effects from the jet blast bouncing up and unsettling the plane. Same as with helo's. Which is why they usually get at least a little forward motion going before lifting off or landing. Straight up and down is really dangerous close to the deck.