S3 Viking History

BuNo: 159735
Location: Near NAS North Island
Date: Wed 09-Jan-1985
Cause: Pilot/COTAC Error
Findings: January 9, 1985: During a 'Back in the saddle' refresher flight near NAS North Island, pilot executed stalls in accordance with NATOPS, during climb out, full power, 200 FPM rate of climb, AOA between 15 to 17 units, AOA jumped to 20 units, immediately aircraft rolled violently left 50 to 60 degrees then rolled right. AOA was pegged at 26 units, airspeed was between 130 to 140 Knots, nose 60 degrees low and turn needle was indicating a right turn. When aircraft departed controlled flight and entered a right hand spiral, pilot applied erect spin recovery procedures. Passing 8,500 feet and out of control flight, the Pilot commanded COTAC to eject.

COTAC received first and second degree burns when his seat left the aircraft well after the Pilot's seat.

Cause of mishap is Pilot and COTAC failure to recognize the deteriorating flight conditions and the Pilot's failure to respond correctly to those conditions.

PSGs to out of control flight.

Crew of 2 ejected.

Source: JAG Investigation Report

Comments from JAG Investigation Report:

Recommend assessment of the effect of a asymmetrical (G) loading during ejection seat firing of a rapidly rolling aircraft, and the possibility of ejection seat charges of different lots causing an alteration in the ejection timing sequence.

Mishap aircraft leveled off after ejection and began a slight climb. It continued to fly approximately 3 minutes then crashed at sea in approximately 660 fathoms of water. Recovery not authorized.

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