Page 142 - Demo

140SMOKE WITHOUT FIREI was on a tactical check in a Hunter FGA 9, being chased by my Flight Commander on a high-low-high profile out of RAF Wittering, with two simulated attacks in southern Scotland followed by a first run attack on the range. It was a cracking day, with the odd thunderstorm, and the trip went well until we started recovery to Wittering. Unexpectedly, in front of my very eyes, on came the fire warning light, bold and bright. My wingman was duly advised. The bold and bright fire warning light remained illuminated. We pulled up from low level, and set up for a precautionary forced landing at Wittering. Inside the cockpit, the engine gauges were normal, with no smells and no red glow in the mirror. Must be a hot gas leak or a fire, methinks! Getting close for a forced landing, so press on, methinks!Flight idle was selected on the throttle, but still that very bright fire warning light was there. I transmitted a Mayday and, when certain of being able to land, I carried out the full fire drill - but still that red light shone brightly, dammit! The next call from my wingman (Flight Commander, don%u2019t forget!) was %u201cLots of smoke %u2013EJECT, EJECT, EJECT!!%u201d Thus, believing that all Flight Commanders are near perfect and God-like, I reached for the handle.The %u201cboom-bang%u201d sequence went well and, in a very short time, I was laying in a ditch with the helmet visor though my nose and a damn sore back. The jet disintegrated in the woods a few hundred yards up ahead, and it quickly became apparent that I had explored the limits of the Martin Baker Mk4H ejector seat, with a combination of late ejection and high rate of descent. In addition, my first parachuting experience had been in high winds and heavy rain, and I had landed in a filthy, water-filled ditch. Nevertheless, the ejection was successful and I did not break anything else that day.After a spell in the hands of the Medics and the spinal injury unit at Headley Court, I was back flying again within three months. The only long term damage was to my golf swing as, since that day, I have developed a nasty slice left to right. It has been caused by my