Two-man VX-31 SAR crew rescues downed pilot

Two members of NAWCWD’s Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Three One (VX-31) Search and Rescue (SAR) team rescued the pilot of a civilian aircraft that crashed in the desert on Edwards Air Force Base in August.

Lt. Matt McDermott and Lt. Colby Lenz were returning to NAWS China Lake on Aug. 5 after an overnight training mission when they overheard air traffic control at Edwards AFB trying to locate an aircraft that disappeared from radar.

As they remained outside the restricted area, the controller called for a NASA F-16 to search the area where an emergency locator transmitter signal was coming from. The F-16 spotted an intact aircraft on the ground in the desert.

Although they did not have a full SAR crew onboard, SAR Mission Commander McDermott and Co-Pilot Lenz offered their assistance. They were given a location about 20 miles to their northeast and were approved to enter the Edwards AFB restricted area to search. Rounding a hill, they spotted a glint from a windshield in the open desert and landed about 75 yards from the crash.

“I unstrapped, grabbed the med kit from the back of our helo, and ran to the downed aircraft,” Lenz said. “The only visible damage was to the left wing tip and the propeller. I didn’t see anyone as I approached the aircraft, but the right door was open. It flashed across my mind to prepare for the worst as I neared the cabin. I was relieved to find it empty.”

They lifted off and took another look at the area.

“Lieutenant McDermott had me search toward the large hill north of the crash site thinking they might have tried to find higher ground to get a cell phone signal,” Lenz said.

Seeing no one, they returned to the crash site and began another search.

"I remember specifically saying, 'He’s a pilot and just flew over the area, he should have reasonable situational awareness,'” Lenz said. “I bet he headed for the road.”

McDermott agreed and they followed the most prominent trail west for about five miles and then offset north returning along another distinct path. McDermott decided to do one more out-and-back before resuming the search near the crash. Suddenly McDermott spotted something and directed Lenz to fly closer so they could investigate. As they approached they realized it was a man walking east away from the crash site.

After landing, McDermott went to assess the pilot’s injuries. The survivor had scrapes on his arm and forehead but was conscious. The man was taken to Ridgecrest Regional Hospital where he was treated and released.

Source: NAVAIR