Right. I expect it wasn’t an unrecoverable spin, because I have heard the characteristics of that type are quite forgiving.
They don’t say if they ejected or not, but I have a suspicion that they didn’t.
The fact that neither of them got out indicates to me that it was a sudden and catastrophic malfunction, or they got disoriented in weather and went in without realizing they were going in.
Just retired from the DoD in December. The Navy depot I was attached to reworks and overhauls this platform. I’ve done fod walks around ‘em on many occasions. I was in QA and can’t recall any major issues cropping up on them in the time my depot has had custody. I agree they’re forgiving which is why they are trainers. Also, IMO the sex of the crew has zero to do with this incident. I think I’ll reach out to my X-coworkers and see if they know anything. I suspect a JAG will be convened wherever maintenance was done on this A/C last.
RIP to these two military heroes.
My retired Navy pilot husband says you cannot eject from this trainer. You can, however, bailout.