U2 Spy plane crashes near Sacramento one pilot killed

[SZonian]

http://kron4.com/2016/09/20/u2-spy-plane-crashes-near-sacramento-starts-grass-fire/

Sounds like 1 crew member survived...this was a trainer that went down.

[Wingnut]

http://kron4.com/2016/09/20/u2-spy-plane-crashes-near-sacramento-starts-grass-fire/

Sounds like 1 crew member survived...this was a trainer that went down.

As in a Francis Gary Powers  type U-2?

[SZonian]

TU-2S is a trainer model, but still an upgraded version of Gary Powers' U-2.  Glass cockpit, larger wings, and some other upgrades.

This is a photo of the aircraft that I've been told was the one that went down.

[Wingnut]

TU-2S is a trainer model, but still an upgraded version of Gary Powers' U-2.  Glass cockpit, larger wings, and some other upgrades.

This is a photo of the aircraft that I've been told was the one that went down.

Thanks.   And to think we retired the SR-71 for THAT?

[SZonian]

Thanks.   And to think we retired the SR-71 for THAT?

SR was extremely expensive to operate...it was also limited in the number and types of equipment it could carry.

Yeah, it was fast and cool, but cost and limited capability killed it.

[SZonian]

On the 20th of September 2016, Lt Col Steve ‘Shooter’ Eadie tragically lost his life during an aircraft training accident near Beale Air Force Base, California. Shooter was a highly accomplished pilot and well respected in the Air Force and Navy flying communities. 

Most importantly, Steve was a loyal and loving husband, proud father of six children, and wonderful grandfather to a precious baby girl. The sudden and heartbreaking loss of Steve is a tremendous blow to his family and to the Beale Air Force Base community. He will be sorely missed.