Originally Posted by
UAL T38 Phlyer
USMC, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the Hornet has dump-masts in the vertical stab, above the rudders (look the same shape as the F-4's; in the Phantom they were outboard of the ailerons).
If he was dumping gas, sounds like an engine failure and trying to reduce weight in a thrust-deficient situation...that turned sour.
Of course, keen "observers" could report to CNN that vortex condensation trails were "....fuel being dumped....."
That is correct as far as the location of the dump masts.
A clue can be found in the photos of the engines.
Just watched the DVR'ed national news stories from last night.
They confirmed that it was -106 and that it was a training flight with an IP in the back, though one made it unclear if the student was a true first timer or a transition. Some on here will have first hand knowledge but I'm sure will be quite on the info for the time being.
There are times to dump fuel for that very reason. From the location of the crash site I would venture a guess that they took off on Rwy 05L or 05R and were heading out to the working areas as speculated earlier in the news reports.
Here is a question for anyone who knows - was it a F/A-18B/D or F? I don't remember if VFA-106 is still conducting legacy training or is it 100% Supers.
USMCFLYR