Quote:
Originally Posted by Pursuivant
I've read reports of this as well. But, the situations where the pilot would bail out immediately rather than defending himself were rare. It should only occur over land, over friendly territory, and in situations where planes can easily be replaced.
FWIW, it was possible to tell Luftwaffe parachutes from allied parachutes because they were "yellow". I don't know if that means that they were a beige or cream color, or actual bright yellow.
By contrast, US aircrew parachutes were white.
The difference was important because, by 1944, German civilians would often beat or kill downed Allied airmen unless prevented from doing so by the military or police.
After 5 minutes, it seems more likely that the plane should fall apart rather than explode. Presumably, the pilot was long gone - dead or bailed out.
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Surprisingly not as rare as you think.. especially in mid 44 onwards. Germans had lots of kites, not to many pilots to fly them though.
As far as the Jap pilot, when I seen the canopy jettisoned, I knew the plane would blow soon. Tells me there's a timing issue with destruction.