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Originally Posted by Matt Wiser
From what I understand (the Los Angeles Times), he was trying to steer away from the neighborhood into an unpopulated canyon when he lost the other engine (he lost one shortly after launch from Abe Lincoln), and had no choice but to get out. My cousin drives Hornets for the USN, and she told me that flying on one engine can be difficult, but can be done (it's happened before in both peactime accidents and after battle damage). But if the other engine goes....gravity wins, my friend. And it's time to grab that handle next to the seat and punch out.
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I agree. However, if he had been at 600 feet and not at 200, I can bet he would have died at his plane command still trying to get out of the neighborhood, even without engine, using whatever speed was left.
That's what I understood from all the combat pilot I have know so far (and they are a few) and that's what surprised me in the original report (don't forget that the french news gave 600 and not 200, yes they are incompetent! as all the press worldwide). That's why I asked. Then, I see this has to be hardly possible at 200 feet, he certainly didn't have enough speed to make it any further.
Also from what I know from other pilots, he will not live through this with ease. Moreover, if the people killed are indeed (as I read from newspaper, 8000 miles away) a grand-ma, a mother and 2 kids, that will be even harder for the pilot.