USAF F-16 Pilot Attempts Deadstick Landing… And Makes The Runway

The pilot of an F-16 brings it back safely following a complete power loss.

Thank god for gravity.

Otherwise he’d have been up there all day…

Emergencies can occur in the blink of an eye, demanding the utmost skill and composure from pilots. Captain Chris Rose’s extraordinary experience in an F-16 fighter jet exemplifies the level of expertise and teamwork required to transform a high-performance combat aircraft into a glider and execute a safe landing.

The Initial Shock:

At an altitude of 13,000 feet, Captain Chris Rose encountered an unexpected and alarming situation in his F-16. The aircraft experienced three loud bumps, and almost instantly, the jet began to vibrate severely. In this critical moment, quick thinking and effective decision-making became the keys to survival.

Becoming a Glider Pilot:

With his F-16’s engine incapacitated and the aircraft essentially turned into a glider, Captain Rose faced an extremely challenging situation. An F-16 is not built for soaring silently through the sky, and its glide ratio is far from ideal. Rose needed to make the most of his limited altitude and the remaining forward momentum to reach a safe landing point.

A Race Against Time:

Despite the grim circumstances, Captain Rose and his wingman embarked on a race against time and gravity. They swiftly identified a potential landing site – Elizabeth City Airport, a mere 7 miles away. With the airport in their sights, they coordinated their efforts to guide the stricken F-16 toward a safe landing.

The Power of Teamwork:

This remarkable feat was not the sole achievement of Captain Rose but a testament to the power of teamwork in aviation. With the support of Air Traffic Control (ATC) and his wingman, Rose managed to navigate the F-16 all the way to the airport runway.

A Surplus of Runway:

Captain Rose’s impressive airmanship was further underscored when he executed a smooth landing at Elizabeth City Airport. The runway not only saved the day but also provided a surplus of space for the fighter jet to come to a complete stop safely.

Conclusion:

Captain Chris Rose’s experience serves as a striking reminder of the skill, adaptability, and teamwork required in aviation, especially during emergency situations. When an F-16 became a glider, the combined efforts of the pilot, his wingman, and the collaboration with Air Traffic Control ensured a successful outcome. This remarkable incident stands as a testament to the resilience and professionalism of military aviators and the crucial role of quick thinking and effective decision-making in the world of aviation.