How an SR-71 Spy Plane (Fastest Plane on Earth) Crashed in the South China Sea

Dario Leone

Security,

Some history you may not know. 

On Apr. 21, 1989, SR-71 #61-17974, better known as Ichi-Ban departed Kadena Air Base (AB) on a mission.  At the controls were Pilot Lt. Col Dan House, and RSO Blair Bozek.  As #974 accelerated through three times the speed of sound, the left compressor bearing froze, causing the immediate disintegration of the port engine, and resultant explosion from the catastrophic failure sending shrapnel through critical hydraulic lines.

Lt Col House managed to slow #974, and even descend below 10 thousand feet. Both crew ejected safely, and were quickly rescued by local fishermen in the waters below.