Well? Could he?

[ianrauk]

World War 1 pilot falls out of plane, falls 700ft and falls back onto the plane

Story Here

Whatever though, it's a cracking story

 

[CopperCyclist]

Yeah I don't see why not. Very similar to what's experienced by astronauts training in the "vomit comet" I guess - just on the outside of the plane!

 

[Turbo Rider]

Should have put a camera on his helmet.

 

[Archie_tect]

With those trousers he's lucky he fell fast enough to catch the plane back up again.

 

[ColinJ]

Yeah I don't see why not. Very similar to what's experienced by astronauts training in the "vomit comet" I guess - just on the outside of the plane!

I would imagine that the terminal velocity of a man in free-fall would be less than the speed of a plane in a dive and if that is the case, how would he catch up with it?

 

[ColinJ]

That's not a TMN because we posted at the same moment!

 

[Turbo Rider]

I would imagine that the terminal velocity of a man in free-fall would be less than the speed of a plane in a dive and if that is the case, how would he catch up with it?

From 1:20 of this amazing documentory


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHl6yPL0800

 

[tyred]

Of course it's possible. I've done it myself.

And once you've done it you hear this ringing on your bedside table

 

[Gravity Aided]

There were 5 German glider pilots caught in a thunderstorm in the 19th who became human hailstones. One survived.
http://www.easternuswx.com/bb/index.php?/topic/57157-human-hailstones-weird-but-true/

 

[Beebo]

It's quite possible that he was lifted out of his seat but managed to tumble back in.
I have trouble believing that he left the plane by any distance and fell back in.

 

[raleighnut]

Where's the 'how many pints do I need to believe this' option.
Mind he made a living telling his story so 'fair play' to him.

 

[winjim]

Anyone who doesn't believe this story is a rotten spoilsport. There were two men in the plane though - any word from the pilot?

 

[Archie_tect]

Anyone who doesn't believe this story is a rotten spoilsport. There were two men in the plane though - any word from the pilot?

Jimmy just thought he'd gone deaf for a couple of minutes...

 

[Arch]

I would imagine that the terminal velocity of a man in free-fall would be less than the speed of a plane in a dive and if that is the case, how would he catch up with it?

The plane needn't be diving. Apparently lots of planes are stable enough to fly without anyone at the controls. I've heard stories of bi-planes, without pilots and not properly chocked, taking off, flying and landing themselves when they run out of fuel.

Anyway, I'd have thought he could fall faster, being unhindered by things like wings, which would catch the wind somewhat.

 

[Drago]

Yes, once you've set the planes trim it'll fly I'm until it runs out of juice.

I think the story is hokum, but it's a bally good yarn.