Holden's Accidental Lightning Flight
An engineer's unexpected supersonic adventure.
1Accidental Supersonic Flight
On July 22, 1966, engineer Walter Holden accidentally engaged the afterburner of an English Electric Lightning during ground testing at RAF Lyneham. With limited flying experience, Holden narrowly missed a fuel bowser and a de Havilland Comet taking off before being forced to take off himself.
2Dangerous Conditions
Holden flew without a helmet or canopy, with the ejection seat disabled and landing gear locked down. He aborted his first two landing attempts and successfully landed on the third try. However, the aircraft's tail struck the runway, and the brake parachute cable detached.
3Aircraft Specifications
The English Electric Lightning was a high-performance short-range interceptor capable of reaching Mach 2.0. It had a maximum takeoff weight of 20 tons. The aircraft involved, XM135, was the second production model and was being tested due to an electrical fault.
4Holden's Background
Walter Holden joined the RAF in 1943 and trained as an engineer. He learned to fly on the de Havilland Tiger Moth and Harvard aircraft. While working as an engineer, he also earned his pilot wings. In 1966, he commanded the No. 33 Maintenance Unit at RAF Lyneham.
5The Test's Context
Holden was conducting ground tests to diagnose an electrical fault in the Lightning. The tests involved moving the aircraft 30-40 yards, revving the engine, and then cutting it. However, the afterburner accidentally engaged, causing the aircraft to accelerate rapidly.
6The Flight's End
After disengaging the afterburner, Holden attempted to land. He aborted the first two attempts due to speed and altitude errors. On the third attempt, he made a wide circuit and landed in the opposite direction of the runway, stopping the aircraft 100 yards short of the end.
7Aftermath
The aircraft was repaired and returned to service. The electrical fault was traced to wires left from a deleted test button for the standby inverter. XM135 was donated to the Imperial War Museum Duxford in 1974, where it remains on display.
8Holden's Legacy
Holden's accidental flight became a unique event in RAF history. He was commended for saving both himself and the aircraft. However, he acknowledged that the test would have been better performed by an experienced Lightning pilot.
Original article: Hacker News — Holden'in Beklenmedik Lightning Uçuşu