Fighter Pilot Ejection Story - Harrier Pilot Describes 2009 Kandahar Ejection Story

Squadron Leader Martin "Perty" Pert survived an ejection from a Harrier in 2009. He joins the podcast to talk about his career and shares a few stories including surviving this ejection from his Harrier jet during a deployment to Kandahar. This is an excerpt from the Afterburn Podcast Episode #27. Full episode available on KZbin or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episode #27
iTunes: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-afterburn-podcast/id1496428378
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[@ace1984able]

This happen my first day after landing in country, we heard a pop and saw him eject. The three of us jumped in the HMMWV to see if he was OK. We asked him if he was OK and he said he was OK but asked how his jet was. After all that he was more worried about his jet.

[@Combat556]

What an amazing story, and so glad he’s doing well. I had two neighbors in San Diego, near MCAS Miramar, that were USMC pilots with combat experience; one was an F18 pilot and the other a Harrier pilot.

[@TheLawOfficesofHamzaSalahuddin]

Glad you’re safe mate. These Martin baker seats been saving us lot since their inception beautiful engineering. From Pakistan 🤙🏻

[@davidgapp1457]

I can well see why he became a Red Arrows, Red 1. Great attitude, and demonstrates how you should deal with these situations. Everyone can learn from him, pilot or not.

[@cristinap1192]

Major "rain" definatly, the best interview u ever had, "Perty" 💪 Like u, the best we could ever wish for. A repeat pls 🙏 Hv an awesome weekend 💚

[@sooz9433]

Phenomenal interview... very informative and I love a happy ending! ❤️

[@curtisaitken7027]

“You know what it’s like”…no no we don’t but damn what a story. I wouldn’t want to know what that’s like thanks. Love the leadership shown here in this pilot. Great example of being humble and taking ownership showing qualities missing in much of society.

[@tomeklimberger151]

Great stuff, thanks so much!

[@shredforeffect]

Watched this happen in real life....crazy to see it on a podcast

[@humrv7]

Wonderful piece - well done guys, loved it! I don’t remember a pause.. different seat tho.. MB3931 😊

[@martinef1963]

I was there, I was the acting Air Traffic Manager, my position at K2 was Tower Chief. While I can appreciate the truth - now. The British Safety Investigation Board (SIB) came to K2 and asked the controllers if they had a good night sleep before duty, what they ate, etc. We felt at the time - they were looking for a scapegoat.

[@tazfarr]

Listened to this the other day, brilliant podcast and this interview is one of my favourites along with the folks who did the Afghanistan evacuation. Great m pretty sure I met Perty at RIAT when he brought an F22 across. It was the year it was cancelled if I remember correctly the 90th anniversary of the RAF. I was party of the RAF police security team.

[@viperdriver82]

Thanks for sharing bro...once u can walk away that's always good

[@Dg-zj6jo]

wow what a story sir

[@superskullmaster]

So interesting to hear the story behind the viral video.

[@etclarke]

wow. awesome story. constantly worrying about orders until 'death' is in your face is why i have faith in the UK military

[@thelandofmisteroz]

"Dude! Your eyebrows!" Yeah, im fine.. Hahahaha

[@tsangarisjohn]

Glad it all turned out alright.

[@Div3r]

As of today lives saved by Martin Baker 7646 although the day is not over.

[@user-dq1je7zy3p]

Holy shit what a story

[@antojoro]

Outstanding story, and to be so open about details of incident; only available in the Free World. I do wonder about protocol on being anywhere near a burning aircraft with the described ordnance. A lot of considerations in the issue: Aid to pilot, and prioritize; non-authorized or essential people near site; risking fire crews ; who is making decisions in Ground Control? And coordinating with Air Traffic Control? A lot of people have access to Airfield/Base. ATC decisions in a war Zone would require a whole new chapter: Why subject aircraft to extreme landing procedures if they are not in an emergency? Any accident elevates risks to another level to all the operations. Respectfully, clear issues on ground and air controls. Brave, able, willing ... and coordinated?

[@jonathanperry8331]

I just watched the video right after it stops some guy runs right past the airplane after the pilot while it still had bombs and rockets and fuel on it burning up that guy had balls

[@goth_dude6874]

Red arrows Red 1 right there

[@dmarino385]

What were his injuries? How long was his recovery? Did he continue to fly Harrier and was he punished for his errors? If so, how long after did he get to fly again?

[@tazfarr]

3 months recovery, had a tyre burst on his first flight back. He went on to do 2 tours with red arrows including 1 as team leader

[@bernarddugas5251]

That’s the leader of the Red Arrow

[@colindevon5526]

Martin Baker , giving pilots a kick up the backside, too safety . Since 1945 😄😄👍👍

[@james1795]

Damn. The word "right" needs to taking out of the English vocabulary. As well as "like". Nevertheless, an excellent description of the event. "Dude your eyebrows!".

[@LZE.]

Fascinating story! I recall seeing the video of the incident at the time. Since it's not included, here's the full length version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKKymaapeb9jZrs

[@dmarino385]

YT now says video not available!

[@LZE.]

@@dmarino385 It appears to have been removed since my origin post. I've updated my comment with an alternative link.