On A (Single) Wing & A Prayer

[Air Force Guy]

Israeli pilot does what one would think is impossible (http://www.sonnyradio.com/F15.wmv)

[ThomasMore]

I couldn't get the vid. to load, but if it is the History Channel video, it is pretty interesting.

The first time I heard of this, I thought it was an urban legend. But it checks out. Here is more on it:

From U.S.S. Bennington's pilots (http://www.uss-bennington.org/phz-nowing-f15.html).

[The_Sonarman]

I remember reading this story, and the explanation why the aircraft continued flying.

McDonnell Douglas attributes the saving of this aircraft to the amount of lift generated by the engine intake/body and "a hell of a good pilot".

I recall the story was.... the designers of the aircraft weren't aware the fuselage of this particular craft provided lift until they investigated the incident after the fact.

It was just a fortunate design feature that allowed a good pilot to bring his aircraft back to the ground, minus one wing.