B1-B bomber pictured here is similar to one that crashed earlier this week. (AP Photo)

Mountain Home Pilot Recalls Bomber Crash

December 14, 2001, 01:15 PM

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By AP Staff

A pilot from Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho said he saw his life flash before his eyes as he punched out of a crashing B-1B bomber.

The pilot is known by his call name, "Rooster." He was one of four aircrew members on board. One of the others was also from Mountain Home. The others were from Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota.

The crew decided to eject about 60 miles from their operating base at Diego Garcia, a small island in the Indian Ocean.

They landed in the water. A U-S Navy destroyer picked them up after they spent about 2-1/2 hours in life rafts.

Rooster said the greatest feeling in the world was seeing his parachute open.

(Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)