Engineer Accidentally Flies Fighter Jet Without Helmet, Radio, or Ejector

In a remarkable incident that showcases human resilience and resourcefulness, RAF engineer Walter “Taffy” Holden accidentally took off in an English Electric Lightning fighter jet in 1966. The event unfolded at the RAF maintenance facility in Lyneham, UK, where Taffy faced a series of extraordinary circumstances that led to his unauthorized flight.

Details of the Incident

On July 22, 1966, Taffy, then 39 years old, was inspecting the English Electric Lightning model XM135. This particular fighter jet could reach speeds exceeding Mach 2, outpacing even the Concorde. The aircraft was experiencing issues with power loss to the cockpit instruments during take-off, prompting Taffy and his team to conduct ground tests.

The Test Flight

• During the ground tests, Taffy was required to operate the jet despite lacking actual flight experience with a fighter jet.
• He had prior training on WWII-era aircraft but had never flown a jet before.
• The objective was a short run, approximately 165 feet, without actual take-off.

However, in an unexpected twist, Taffy mistakenly activated the afterburner during one of the test runs. This error sent the aircraft speeding down the runway, significantly faster than intended. He narrowly avoided colliding with a fuel bowser and an RAF transport aircraft.

Making a Split-Second Decision

As Taffy approached the end of the runway, with a village in sight and unable to stop the jet, he made a critical choice: he would take off. Suddenly airborne, Taffy realized that complications awaited him. He lacked a helmet, radio, and even had a disabled ejector seat, which escalated the danger of the situation.

Taffy’s Landing Attempts

During his approximately 12 minutes in the air, Taffy struggled to land the jet. His first two attempts were unsuccessful due to altitude and speed issues. However, on his third attempt, he finally succeeded in landing the aircraft safely.

The Aftermath

• Taffy became a local celebrity after the incident.
• The English Electric Lightning fighter jet he flew is now displayed at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford.
• Taffy Holden passed away in 2016 but left behind a remarkable story of unexpected flight.

This extraordinary account serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of aviation and the incredible improvisation some individuals can display in dire situations. For more captivating stories in aviation history, visit Filmogaz.com.