What's going on here?

[Armo325]

I just got these emailed to me a couple weeks ago and I can't find any background info. I'm curious to find out what happened. Anyone know when this happened and what was going on?

 

[Gatordev]

I believe the Harrier has actually found an air-to-air threat it can handle.



I keed, I keed.

 

[Brett327]

Happened at El Centro about three weeks ago and one of the photo-hounds was able to get a pretty good shot. From what I understand, it was the Harrier doing some kind of non-standard departure vs. a T-45 division break. Happened right over the field and the folks in the T-45s were pretty steamed - understandably so. I was out there the very next day and everyone was talking about it.

Brett

 

[Coota0]

Wrong button

 

[KBayDog]

From what I understand, it was the Harrier doing some kind of non-standard departure...

So the Harrier doesn't usually depart the field nearly inverted?

 

[Brett327]

So the Harrier doesn't usually depart the field nearly inverted?

Yeah, I presume that was some kind of evasive maneuver.

I've only flown out of there a couple times, but I think there's an initial 500 ft hold down for VFR departures. I don't know the details of what the Harrier was cleared for, but that could have ended up a very bad day.

Brett

 

[Frumby]

Actually, it was towers fault. They cleared the AV-8 for a right turn out and did not mention the T-45's inbound. He began to climb and turn out right at break altitude (800'). Two Harrier IP's in the lead T-45 were telling the AV-8 "Wake don't pull up" He heard them too late but was able to take evasive maneuvers to avoid the mid-air. Ten feet was the estimate from dash 2. Pretty lucky but can you imagine the AV8 pilot inverted at less then 800' and at a slow airspeed. Damn good flying or it's better to be lucky then good.
Semper Fly, Frumby

 

[nugget81]

nevermind...

 

[Schnugg]

Eyes out of the cockpit when anywhere near an airfield is always a very good idea.

 

[East]

Thanx for the details.
Pictures tend to speak for themselves, just like this one did....

 

[bunk22]

Apparently tower was overwhelmed that morning. Regardless, still helps to have good SA. I've been over there, very recently, and it was an absolute madhouse.

 

[NavyLonghorn]

Low approaching a TACAN with Blue Angel 1-4 landinging under you on the cross runway, and 5 - 6 holding for you to get the F out of the way.. now thats good times at El Centro. The NOTAMS said they would be done practicing..

 

[Fly Navy]

Just got back from El Centro... no radar... yeah that's a sh!tshow at times.

 

[A4sForever]

Just got back from El Centro... no radar... yeah .....

No radar ??? Ahhhhhhhhh, Fly ..... you just saw the light and got religion.

 

[welle]

I just got these emailed to me a couple weeks ago and I can't find any background info. I'm curious to find out what happened. Anyone know when this happened and what was going on?

Long time, but do you still have the photos? Can’t seem to find them, a buddy of mine was in the T-45 flight… I was down there on a Strike Det.