SR-71 Ejection: Blair Bozek's Incredible Blackbird Survival Story
What happens when a routine Mach 3 flight at 75,000 feet suddenly becomes a fight for survival?
During an SR-71 mission over the western Pacific, Reconnaissance Systems Officer Blair Bozek and pilot Dan House were enjoying what Blair describes as a "rocket ride" when they heard a seemingly innocent pop.
Within moments, their SR-71 Blackbird was in serious trouble.
What initially seemed like an engine unstart became something far worse. The left engine failed and seized, problems developed with the right engine's hydraulic system, and the Blackbird began violently rolling—at times reaching approximately 75 degrees of bank—while pitching upward.
The crew fought to control the aircraft, worked emergency checklists, coordinated with support aircraft and tried to reach Clark Air Base in the Philippines. But as hydraulic pressure became increasingly unreliable, the situation reached the point every aircrew trains for but hopes never to experience.
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