PBS Secrets of the Dead

[George Hopp]

I have been since told the location of the canopy release on the Do 335 is not in a dangerous location. I suppose a trip to the Smithsonian would clear up any questions since they have the only Do 335 left.

As I recall, the ejection handle for the Do 335 was on the right instrument console, and since it was not attached to the seat, as was that for the He 162, I would consider that to be a very dangerous location for the handle, since you would pull up the handle and up would fly your seat with your hand still on the handle which remains in the cockpit. The He 219 had the same arrangement as the Do 335.

When you eject you want to have everything tucked in nice and tight to ensure it doesn't contact the aircraft as you leave it, and having the ejection handle on a part of the aircraft just doesn't ensure that. So, while the idea of armless ejectees may be an old-wives tale, it certainly has the possibility of truth in it.

All the best,
George