Navy Pilots Ejected from Jet Flying 170 MPH

"The F/A-18 D jet that crashed at Virginia Beach was equipped with the most advanced ejection seat in the U.S. Navy."

Too bad that the plane wasn't equipped with the most advanced jet engine in U.S. Naval aviation.

Yeah I know, that is sort of snarky. Yeah, I also know it isn't true.

I can see this thread going in several different directions. I'll let someone else take the wheel for a little while and see where it goes.

I agree that your comment, Doorman, is a bit snarky. The article lead (not the plane or pilot) does seem to deserve some snarky reply. Bringing our attention to the advanced technology of the ejection system working at a relatively low velocity is IMHO lousy copy. This was an accident that only by luck did not kill any innocent people. Focusing on the ejection system makes it seem that the author cares more about the lives of the pilots than the lives on the ground.

"Focusing on the ejection system makes it seem... lives on the ground." I agree with your observation and agree that sheer dumb luck, not technology, can take the credit for the relatively few and mostly minor injuries in this event.

As the story matures, there may be more to it. There is not a lot of meat on the bones in this particular rendition of the story.

"Too bad that the plane wasn't equipped with the most advanced jet engine in U.S. Naval aviation."

Since it is mechanical, it can and will break at some point in time, no matter how well it has been designed. It comes down to the training and response of the pilot/s at the time things break that will determine the collaterial impact. It sounds like they did what they could according to SOP.

This is one of those issues where development of residential areas comes in after the fact of a base being built and then the risk is elevated. We have the same thing here in Wichita, where McConnell AFB was operating and gradually people build up around it, in the flight path, etc. and then complain about the noise of F-16's and B-1's. Well duh. Who was here first and what is most important? People don't understand that there is a cost to freedom. The things we should value the most will always bring a certain level of inconvenience, i.e. time, money, risk, effort, etc. We simply have to decide that the result of freedom is worth those inconveniences.

IMO, facilitiesmnger hit the nail on the head and gets a GA from me on this one.

It is way too early to even speculate what the "mechanical problem(s)" was/were at this particular moment. We have to wait and see what the Navy investigation turns up. It may not be a jet engine problem, as the McD F/A-18D Hornet sports 2 engines. It's a rare day in Naval Aviation when both engines quit simultaneous. The probable cause for the mechanical problem may lay with bad fuel, a malfunctioning fuel pump, a malfunctioning hydraulic system, or an avionics glitch.....

Yeah, the article was pretty lame...it didn't even identify the actual Martin-Baker ejection seat installed in the Hornet.

(Psssstttttt, it's either a a MB Mk. 10L or a Mk.14 NACES (New USN ACES)).