F-35B loss video

[Ivanhoe]

 

[shep854]

I looked to me like the pilot slammed the throttle open as he lurched forward when the nose gear collapsed.

[DKTanker]

I think the graphic at the end of the video was suggesting the forward lift fan wasn't operational, which might account for the power being set at full throttle.  It is interesting, and confusing, that the pilot waited until the aircraft had come to a halt and then ejected.  Would that be protocol?  I tend to think it might be.

[shep854]

He may have pulled the handle while the plane was still bouncing around.

[R011]

He's sitting on a big tank of firey explodium that's misbehaving in a very serious fashion.  Punching out was a wise choice.

Edited December 20, 2022 by R011

[Stuart Galbraith]

4 hours ago, shep854 said:

He may have pulled the handle while the plane was still bouncing around.

I think you are right. I think the seat decided that the angle and altitude the aircraft was at, would be unsurvivable, so the interlocked stopped it. Then he rolled upright and suddenly it decides its within limits and fires.

Older seats were far less fussy. I read of an instance where the pilot of a Tomcat that rolled off the bow off a carrier, pulled the handle just as the wing was dropping. By the time the canopy came off and his RIO went out first, he was right on the ragged edge of the survival envelope. He ended up bouncing off the water (it was a very slow speed aircraft) and the chute never even had a chance to deploy. Incredibly he survived. Doubt it would have worked as well with Tarmac of course...

[Yama]

F-35B has automatic ejection mode: however, apparently it is engaged only in hover mode. Pilot may have been waiting for ejection seat to throw him out, and only punched out himself when he realized it was not going to happen.

[shep854]

Hm.Sometimes automation is not your friend…