Prototype f16 almost crash-video
 

Kool, I don't remember ever seeing that before, Thanks!

Please note there are two very separate events on that video. The unplanned first flight happened at Edwards AFB on Jan 20, 1974. The gear up landing happened at Ft. Worth in May of 1975 at the G.D. plant just a few days before the plane was to depart to the Paris airshow.

I'm surprised the pilot stayed with it and just didn't abort and set her back down. I guess that is why they are test pilots wow

It looks like it came off the ground fairly suddenly and once it was off the ground, it was immediately apparent that it was off the ground, because of the gyrations. Once off the ground, it also quickly veered off of the runway heading. Given all of that, I'd bet that the pilot was not at all sure how well the aircraft could be set back down and what might happen, such as roll-over, cartwheel, etc., if it was. All of those options would have made ejecting a very risky or impossible situation, so the choice to get the airplane away from the ground and then reassess the decision as to whether to stick with it or leave was the best option. Hindsight seems to bear that out...

Bob

yup that all makes sense, get some altitude and if it doesn't smooth out then...get out!!:)

Found this inside story while watching the video , thanks for the link hm jets
https://youtu.be/qAp4RtGKbHE

Nice find Rider60!

+1

Thanks for posting this info it certainly explains what happened first hand.
Vin...

It is also interesting to note that the pilot, Mr Phil Oestricher was a modeller! 😎

That dude has skills and undoubtedly brass cajones!

Bet it took him a week to pull his shorts out of his tailpipe, HA!