Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee Stewart
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Kelly Johnson and the "Skunk Works" team Designed that Bird with a slide rule.
YF-12A (60-6936 / 1003)
This aircraft, the third YF-12A, was lost on 24 June 1971 in an accident at Edwards AFB. Lt. Col. Ronald J. "Jack" Layton and systems operator Maj. William A. "Billy" Curtis were approaching the traffic pattern when a fire broke out due to a fuel line fracture caused by metal fatigue. The flames quickly enveloped the right side of the aircraft, and on the base leg both crewmembers ejected.