|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Pete Conrad's T-38 Accident?
From the paperback edition of "Rocketman", Pg 47:
"Pete had had a mission or two aborted on him. Hell, he even ran out of gas in a T-38 a mile short of Ellington Field in Houston, popped out, and watched the bird go down and explode under him, then packed his chute and walked calmly to somebody's house to use the phone." Now this is news to me. I haven't read through the whole book yet, but so far it seems a poor tribute to the man, with many "events" of his life embellished with details that could not have come from Conrad himself but more likely the author(s) imagination. So, is this claimed accident more of the same? If so, as I suspect, then certainly this book is a worthless read and I will set it down immediately. If true, then it makes Cernan's trashing of a Bell 47, for which he nearly lost his moon flight, seem paltry and I've missed an interesting and radically undereported incident in the anals of spaceflight history (with all the "Astronaut" books I've read, what are the chances of that?). Can anyone shed some light? Carmine |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Pete Conrad's T-38 Accident?
On Aug 12, 2:24*pm, CarmineRed wrote:
From the paperback edition of "Rocketman", Pg 47: "Pete had had a mission or two aborted on him. Hell, he even ran out of gas in a T-38 a mile short of Ellington Field in Houston, popped out, and watched the bird go down and explode under him, then packed his chute and walked calmly to somebody's house to use the phone." Now this is news to me. I haven't read through the whole book yet, but so far it seems a poor tribute to the man, with many "events" of his life embellished with details that could not have come from Conrad himself but more likely the author(s) imagination. So, is this claimed accident more of the same? If so, as I suspect, then certainly this book is a worthless read and I will set it down immediately. If true, then it makes Cernan's trashing of a Bell 47, for which he nearly lost his moon flight, seem paltry and I've missed an interesting and radically undereported incident in the anals of spaceflight history (with all the "Astronaut" books I've read, what are the chances of that?). Can anyone shed some light? Carmine There is no anecdotes in any of my many space history books that mention Conrad punching out of a T-38. I would say it is fiction. |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Pete Conrad's T-38 Accident?
There is no anecdotes in any of my many space history books that mention Conrad punching out of a T-38. I would say it is fiction. I can't find any references either, and immersed as I have been in Apollo history, I was sure a google search wouldn't turn up anything either which is why I posted. But, I have since fornd this: http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/A...t_38_talon.htm Still, I find it hard to beleive this hasn't been the topic of more discussion. Although it did occur in 1972, after his moon flight, so any fallout from such an accident might have been more easily forgotten/ swept under the rug. The stories of astronauts pushing the limits in their T-38s and landing on fumes have been well documented, especially in "All American Boys", yet that book fails to mention it either (If I remeber well). I have often heard that some of the stupidest accidents happen to some of the best pilots, but this incident is still very surprising to me, but mostly for the way it has remained so obscure--if even true. And before anyone jumps me for saying it was a stupid accident, I would only characterise it as such if it were indeed a case of a perfectly serviceable airplane being run out of gas by its pilot, without any other mechanical/operational extenuating circumstances. Which is why I'd like to know more about this incident. Pete Conrad was an exceptional pilot by all accounts and a boyhood hero of mine. I believe any inights into this incident may serve to further illuminate this extraordinary man's character and psychology, as well as perhaps provide another look into astro-politics in general. |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Pete Conrad's T-38 Accident?
"Matthew B. Ota" wrote:
There is no anecdotes in any of my many space history books that mention Conrad punching out of a T-38. Which isn't particularly suprising considering the quantity of anecdotes and new information that have come to light in the last 5-10 years. D. -- Touch-twice life. Eat. Drink. Laugh. http://derekl1963.livejournal.com/ -Resolved: To be more temperate in my postings. Oct 5th, 2004 JDL |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Pete on Spaceweather | Philippe Gautier | UK Astronomy | 5 | May 29th 08 09:48 PM |
Thanks Pete !! | Little Bummer Boy | Amateur Astronomy | 0 | May 14th 06 05:26 AM |
Pete Lawrence | Andy | UK Astronomy | 2 | March 16th 05 08:50 PM |
Sky And Telescope and Pete Lawrence | Jim | UK Astronomy | 8 | August 26th 04 07:19 AM |
Congratulations Pete | Martin Frey | UK Astronomy | 4 | August 4th 03 10:02 AM |