Interesting footage has emerged of a pilot successfully ejecting from a Hungarian Air Force Gripen jet after crash landing.
On Jun. 10, a Hungarian Air Force JAS-39C single-seater Gripen jet crashed at Kecskemét airbase, in Hungary. The pilot, successfully ejected from the aircraft, was flying a training sortie when he experienced a nose gear failure.
After attempting to re-cycle the undercarriage, Maj. Kadar opted for a belly landing. However, after touching the runway, he lost control of the aircraft and was forced to eject.
A video, shot at the Hungarian airbase shows the mishap unfold: as you can see the ejection seat does not separate from the pilot causing him to fall at higher than expected speed with subsequent injury.
The crash follows another incindet that occurred to a Hungarian Air Force Gripen D on May 19 when a two-seater jet crashed on landing at Čáslav air base in the Czech Republic during exercise Lion Effort. Both pilots successfully ejected from the aircraft.
Although investigation in the crashes is still in progress, in spite of some media reports, Hungary’s fleet of Gripens has not been grounded. According to the Hungarian MoD, the JAS-39C involved in the most recent incident will likely be repaired and returned to active service.
H/T Giuliano Ranieri for the link
