The 780 MPH Ejection: The Impossible Survival of Captain Brian Udell | E139

The CRUX: True Survival Stories

In this episode of The Crux True Survival Stories, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the astonishing survival story of Captain Brian Udell, an F-15E Strike Eagle pilot who ejected from his aircraft at an unprecedented supersonic speed of 780 miles per hour. The episode explores the extreme physical and engineering challenges of such an ejection, the incredible technology behind ejection seats, and the mental fortitude required for survival. Despite enduring severe injuries and incredible odds, Udell survived and returned to flying, showcasing unparalleled resilience. This episode also covers his later life challenges, including an aortic dissection and the eventual grounding by the FAA, emphasizing the extraordinary risks fighter pilots take.
00:00 Introduction to an Unbelievable Survival Story
01:34 The Mindset of a Fighter Pilot
03:52 The Fateful Night: Captain Udell's Mission
07:02 The Ejection: A Supersonic Gamble
11:06 The Aftermath: Surviving Against All Odds
14:28 The Science of Ejection Seats
17:11 Historical Context: Understanding G-Forces
19:17 The Unbelievable John Strapp
19:58 Udell's Struggle in the Ocean
20:36 The Fight for Survival
23:24 Rescue and Recovery
26:23 The Aftermath and Rehabilitation
29:18 A Second Brush with Death
31:21 Grounded but Not Defeated
35:23 Ejection Seat Safety Concerns
36:59 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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References and Further Reading

"Fighter Pilot Mentality: Breaking Down the Military Mindset." NCESC. www.ncesc.com/what-is-fighter-pilot-mentality/

"Life and Training of an F-35 Pilot." Task & Purpose. taskandpurpose.com/tech-tactics/air-force-f35-pilot-life/

"Fighter Jet Pilot Training: From Civilian to Combat Ready." Sky Combat Ace. www.skycombatace.com/fighter-jet-pilot-training

"How Air Race Pilots Handle Extreme G-Forces." Red Bull. www.redbull.com/us-en/air-race-pilots-surviving-g-force

"Pulling Gs: The Effects of G-Forces on the Human Body." Go Flight Medicine. www.goflightmedicine.com/post/pulling-gs-the-effects-of-g-forces-on-the-human-body

"Top Gun Trauma: The Effects of Ejecting from a Fighter Jet on the Spine." University of Notre Dame. sites.nd.edu/biomechanics-in-the-wild/2021/04/06/top-gun-trauma-the-effects-of-ejecting-from-a-fighter-jet-on-the-spine/

"Why Fighter Jet Ejections Can Be Deadly for Pilots." Business Insider. www.businessinsider.com/why-fighter-jet-ejections-are-deadly-for-pilots-2022-10

"Breaking Point: What's the Strongest G-Force Humans Can Tolerate?" Medical Daily. www.medicaldaily.com/breaking-point-whats-strongest-g-force-humans-can-tolerate-369246

"Clipped Wings." Phoenix Magazine. www.phoenixmag.com/2019/01/01/clipped-wings/

"In the Saddle: Ejection Seat History." The Ejection Site. www.ejectionsite.com/insaddle/insaddle.htm

"The Man Behind High-Speed Safety Standards." National Air and Space Museum. airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/man-behind-high-speed-safety-standards

"Spinal Injury Pattern Associated with Ejection Seats." PubMed. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24261059/