Quote:
Originally Posted by noggin
Sorry , I deleted it. Was relating to the feasibility of baling out at such a speed and survivability. The local paper report although only giving scant detail says the pilot was severely injured due to the low altitude exit. I think if he left at such speed the injuries sustained was due to that. Read a little more about P38's on one engine and although some details conflict they all seem to say they did yaw into the dead engine and then roll over. Thanks for the help Stig.
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If the P-38 fell from high altitude at such a speed it began to disintegrate, a low level bail out is unlikely. It is still possible that the pilot was thrown out from the aircraft when it broke and then was able to pull out his chute.
A page on the Caterpillar Club of 20th FG (
http://www.geocities.ws/jackilfrey/catclub.html) says he baled out at 28,000 feet, but it could be the altitude of the initial issue rather than the altitude he baled out.