Both Pilots Safe After Ejections at 1500-2000 Feet

ANN is monitoring details released by the Breitling Jet Team's PR folks as reports come in following the loss of a team L-39 and the safe ejection of pilot Bernard Charbonnel, and technician, Raphael Savoye.

The Saturday accident resulted in the team's repositioning back to their home base in Dijon, France.

According to Breitling, "As the team transitioned from Den Helder (Netherlands) to Kleine Brogel (Belgium) pilot Bernard Charbonnel reported an engine problem with the No. 2 aircraft. Following standard team procedures, he calmly informed the team and left the formation accompanied by a second aircraft. Selecting the safest place for the aircraft to come down, an empty field away from people and livestock, he and his technician, Raphael Savoye ejected from the aircraft and landed safely. After precautionary checks at the closest hospital, both pilot and technician were declared fit and well and cleared to rejoin their team."

Bernard Charbonnel reported that, "I have enjoyed flying and displaying L-39's for the last 10 years and I know well the characteristics of this aircraft. So, when we were returning from Van Helder and I felt unusual vibrations, I realized very quickly something was wrong and reported an engine problem. We followed the emergency procedures by the book and my technician ejected at 2000 feet and myself at 1500 feet at approximate speeds of 250-300 km/h. I still have absolute confidence in the L-39 aircraft and I flew our No. 6 jet back to Dijon yesterday."

The team reports that their initial choice was to continue with their planned displays at Sanicole (Belgium) and Lens Airshow (France) but after careful deliberation, they ultimately decided to return directly to Dijon, (France). Although it is thought this is a one off and unforeseen problem, the engineering force behind the Breitling Jet Team will carry out extensive checks and examinations to prepare the team for their upcoming commitments.

Team Leader Jacques Bothelin noted that, "We have a full-time team of engineers based with us at Dijon, who also travel with us to all our events. The aircraft, engines and ejection seats undergo a thorough maintenance schedule all year round. Unforeseen events can occur and that is why we have emergency procedures and training in place. I am very proud of all my team, their expertise and experience is second to none. With the timing from first vibrations to ejection being less than one minute, Charbo executed everything with cool professional airmanship."    

FMI: www.breitling-jet-team.com, www.aviation.breitling.com