NATO Aircraft collision in Lithuania!

Gerald · 08-30-11, 10:09 AM

MONS, Belgium — At approximately 09:30, two NATO aircraft collided while conducting a training flight based out of the Zokniai Air Base located in northern Lithuania.

The incident occurred between a French Mirage fighter and a Lithuanian military jet L-39.

The lightly damaged Mirage fighter was able to land after the collision while the two Lithuanian pilots ejected successfully from their jet before it crashed. The two Lithuanian pilots walked away from the crash without serious injury and are currently under medical supervision.

The L-39 aircraft crashed in a rural area resulting in no further damage to any civilian property.

The incident is under national investigation.

The NATO air policing mission over the Baltic states continues.

http://www.shape.nato.int/nato-aircr...lithuania.aspx

Note: 30 August 2011

Anthony W. · 08-30-11, 04:34 PM

Could've gone a lot worse.

Glad the pilots are okay and nobody was hurt on the ground.

Whats their definition of "lightly damaged"?

08-31-11, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anthony W.

Whats their definition of "lightly damaged"?

Wasn't there a story about a F-15 that got in mid-air collision that ripped a wing off yet it still managed to fly without issues and conduct a safe landing?

razark · 08-31-11, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rilder

Wasn't there a story about a F-15 that got in mid-air collision that ripped a wing off yet it still managed to fly without issues and conduct a safe landing?

It was an Israeli F-15, if I remember it correctly. I saw the video on youtube. The pilot was interviewed and said if he'd seen the damage in flight, he would have just ejected, because there's no way he could have been able to fly it home.

Stealhead · 08-31-11, 01:40 AM

Yes it was according to this youtube clip which it seems was taken from a History channel show see the H in the corner. Personally I do not agree that this shows how tough the F-15 is rather that it was just a lucky situation.If anything it shows that the pilot was very good(though he even admits he would not have attempted landing had he known the damage)and it was just a very luck situation.If you look at the end the engines where at different states of thrust.

Mid air collisions(unintended ones) between combat aircraft in training and in war zones is not that uncommon.

Here is what normally happens point of view from each of two F-15s notice the big X on the hud the pilots simply had no time to react.

Flying is very dangerous

Bombs away?

08-30-11, 10:09 AM	#1
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	NATO Aircraft collision in Lithuania! MONS, Belgium — At approximately 09:30, two NATO aircraft collided while conducting a training flight based out of the Zokniai Air Base located in northern Lithuania. The incident occurred between a French Mirage fighter and a Lithuanian military jet L-39. The lightly damaged Mirage fighter was able to land after the collision while the two Lithuanian pilots ejected successfully from their jet before it crashed. The two Lithuanian pilots walked away from the crash without serious injury and are currently under medical supervision. The L-39 aircraft crashed in a rural area resulting in no further damage to any civilian property. The incident is under national investigation. The NATO air policing mission over the Baltic states continues. http://www.shape.nato.int/nato-aircr...lithuania.aspx Note: 30 August 2011 __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie

08-30-11, 04:34 PM	#2
Anthony W. Grey Wolf Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 850 Downloads: 130 Uploads: 0	Could've gone a lot worse. Glad the pilots are okay and nobody was hurt on the ground. Whats their definition of "lightly damaged"? __________________ Sunken Mustangs Proud Ford Mustang owner "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!" - Admiral David Farragut Run silent - run deep - keep the baffles clear - targets front and center. Private pilot and history buff

08-31-11, 01:40 AM	#5
Stealhead Navy Seal Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Kentucky Posts: 5,421 Downloads: 85 Uploads: 0	Yes it was according to this youtube clip which it seems was taken from a History channel show see the H in the corner. Personally I do not agree that this shows how tough the F-15 is rather that it was just a lucky situation.If anything it shows that the pilot was very good(though he even admits he would not have attempted landing had he known the damage)and it was just a very luck situation.If you look at the end the engines where at different states of thrust. Mid air collisions(unintended ones) between combat aircraft in training and in war zones is not that uncommon. Here is what normally happens point of view from each of two F-15s notice the big X on the hud the pilots simply had no time to react. Flying is very dangerous Bombs away?