Thread: Real Aircraft Loses Wing, Lands Safely

I seem to remember a description probably 30 years ago of a pilot in the UK who had a wing on a Zlin? fail in upward bending, also in aerobatics. He rolled inverted and the wing operated normally inverted as he returned to the field, rolling upright just above wing clearance from the ground, making a successful (in the sense that he walked away) landing.

Also, somewhere about the same time, a NZ cropdusting DC-3 made a successful landing having lost most of one wing outboard of the engine in a midair collision. I don't think the other plane was as lucky, but can't remember any details.

John

Yep, the Zlin pilot was Neil Williams. I have a story on him in an old aviation magazine. He was one hell of a pilot. He died a few years later ferrying an aircraft in Spain and flew into a mountain, possibly because of a faulty altimeter.

My personal favourite for wingless flying is an Israeli F-15 which clipped an A-4 Skyhawk during air combat training. There is a clip for the video below.

F-15 One Wing Miracle Landing | Military.com

Yes, that F15 video was incredible.!!
Thanks for the link.

.. Flying on a wing and a prayer...