Warbird Information Exchange

Is it possible for a Skyraider to take off with the wings folded? I've heard some stories of inadvertent "cat" shots with the wings folded but how about on land?

I think if you do a search of this forum you will find a story about a Skyraider taking off with its wings folded. It didnt get very far, but the crew did survive.

_________________
Share your story: Rutgers Oral History Archive http://oralhistory.rutgers.edu/

_________________
" There's nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so."(Shakes baby)

Hi all,

GEEZ Louise.... I would think that ANY pilot....excuse me...Naval Aviator....would ever put himself in a position where his aircraft would not be configured for proper take-off. But....I guess stranger things have happened in this world. Though I think that the Cat Shot would have done nothing more than toss the plane overboard at high speed.

Paul

I think Larry Webster has the remains of the 1st skyraider to try this stunt; remains would be a key part of the story. I guess it flew for a short ways before loosing the battle to gravity. Not much to look at but it was a funny story to hear while looking at blue pieces of aluminum.

I've seen things happen that should not have happened when it comes to Naval aviation, sometimes things happen quick so you better not have your head up your butt any given day.

Tim

_________________
www.tailhookstudio.com

Hey Dougdrvr,
Were you in Galesburg this past weekend?
VL

Valdo,

I was in Galesburg, but I certainly wouldn't count it among my finest moments. Not much more to be said.

_________________
Eric

"I spent most of my money on alcohol, women and skyraiders....and the rest of it I just wasted."

There was an "I Learned About Flying From That" written in Flying mag in the 70's by a who took off in Vietnam in a Skyraider (single seat AD-4 I think) with the wings folded. He got off the ground, but didn't make it very far.

I remember reading it in one of the compilation books Flying published.

Vlado and Eric,

Yup, I was there and the less said in an open forum, the better.