Air Force Stratojet Flew Under The Bridge On April 24, 1959

On April 24, 1959, Air Force Capt. John S. Lappo performed a stunt which cost him his wings. He flew his then-state-of-the-art B47 Stratojet underneath the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan.

Capt. Lappo was a native of Muskegon, MI. The stunt was entirely spontaneous, according to reports. The Mlive.com website reports that Lappo had had a distinguished career in WWII, but after flying under the bridge, he never flew for the Air Force again.

He did continue to serve in the Air Force, finally retiring with honors after 30 years at the rank of Lt. Colonel. 

In a detailed account of the incident written by Danny K. Shepherd and posted on www.north-lights.com, Capt. Lappo was returning with his crew from a simulated nighttime bombing and celestial navigation mission. He roared under the bridge just over the water at a speed of 425 miles per hour. There is just 155 feet of clearance between the water and the bridge deck.

When he was asked why he did it, he replied: "Why do men climb mountains .... I've always wanted to fly under a big bridge. I thought it would be the Golden Gate."

Lappo was found guilty as charged for violation of Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice in August, 1959. Air Force Regulation 60-16 at the time prevented any flight at less the 500 feet over the ground or water except for takeoffs and landings.

Lt. Col. Lappo passed away in 2003 due to complications from Parkinson's Disease.

(Public domain image provided by the USAF)

FMI: Original Article