Posted on 04/13/2020 10:09:16 AM PDT by NRx
A French pensioner survived being flung out of a plane at 2500 feet after grabbing the ejector handle to "steady himself".
The incredible story has been revealed by a French aviation investigation report which has found significant failures in the safety procedures for the flight.
In March 2019, the unnamed 64-year-old was given a flight in the jet to celebrate his retirement.
He did not really want the flight but was convinced to do it anyway by his colleagues at the defence contractor where he had worked for most of his career.
"This situation generated a feeling of stress for the passenger," reads the report by the Paris-based Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis (BEA)
"This was particularly felt during the ejection seat briefing where he had to assimilate a large amount of information in a very short time."
The unfortunate pensioner had no experience with military aircraft - especially not the £70 million Rafale fighter jet he was taken in.
When the plane took off more rapidly than he expected and climbed high into the sky, the Frenchman grasped for something to steady himself and found the ejector handle, reports the Telegraph.
(Excerpt) Read more at newshub.co.nz ...
This is hilarious, and probably a HUGE surprise for the pilot.
what does this handle dooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo?
If I could get a ride on an F-18 and be assured that while airborne *nobody* would get hurt if I pushed the “eject” button I’d do it...absolutely!
After landing, he proceeded to the German border where he surrendered.
Hope Joe Biden is okay.
Great training there. Aircraft ejection seat handles are like the trigger on a gun. Don’t put your finger/hands on it until you intend to pull it. Glad he’s okay, though.
You win the internet today!
He’s lucky he didn’t die.
I’ve been in the simulator a number of times. It’s unpleasant.
tha’s hillarious. I guess its safe to assume he didn’t want a ride in an ejector seat either.
The plane took off and the guy said “I’ve had enough” and just left. The French give up so easy.
Your link sent me to an attack site.
He sure had the ride of his life!!
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No merde, Cherloque...
Hate when that happens. Putting up yellow sticky notes with reminders help you remember “don’t touch!”
Don’t let him guard the History Eraser Button, the shine red, jolly, candle-like History Eraser Button....
That is so French, to eject yourself out of a perfectly working jet fighter out of fear is the equivalent of throwing down your gun and running away in the middle of a battle.
Not great egress training, it seems...
talk about getting the ride of your life...
Alanis Morrisette wrote about this guy years ago. Sorta....
Mr. Play It Safe was afraid to fly
He packed his suitcase and kissed his kids goodbye
He waited his whole damn life to take that flight
And as the plane crashed down he thought
“Well, isn’t this nice”
And isn’t it ironic, don’t you think
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