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Author
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Topic: X-15: John B. McKay's sustained injuries
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nasamad
Member Posts: 2121
From: Essex, UK
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 07-11-2011 05:07 PM
   
I know many of the cS members are well informed on the X-plane flights and was wondering about McKay's X-15 crash. I know the plane flipped after the nose gear collapsed but I'm curious as to what his injuries were?Some sources state that he died from liver failure and some state that he died from cancer caused by his injuries. I was not aware that injuries could be a cause of cancer. The only book a I have on the subject is the Apogee book which is more of a technical publication. |
ColinBurgess
Member Posts: 2031
From: Sydney, Australia
Registered: Sep 2003
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posted 07-11-2011 05:46 PM
Most of McKay's injuries were relatively minor; an abrasion to the back of his neck and right leg; a laceration of his left leg requiring stitches, and generalised muscular bruising of his back. These were easily attended to in hospital. However his biggest problem was that three vertebrae in his upper spine were compressed during the accident to the point where he lost an inch in height, which caused him considerable and chronic pain which not only changed his personality for the worse, but eventually cost him his life.The personal stories of all the X-15 pilots are in an Outward Odyssey book that is currently being written by Michelle Evans, and which will likely be sent in manuscript form to the publishers in a couple of months. It is an incredibly well-written book, and is mostly compiled from personal interviews with most of the X-15 guys over many years, and/or their family members and those closest to the program. It is the human story of the X-15 program and as such is not an overly-technical account. I've read the manuscript up to date and it is absolutely first rate - it will be a great book. |
nasamad
Member Posts: 2121
From: Essex, UK
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 07-12-2011 03:24 PM
Thanks Colin, should have come straight to you. Poor guy sounds like he had a tough time of it.However the book sounds great, I'll have to put that on my Christmas list! Did the author manage to talk to Engle and Armstrong? I've heard they both like talking X-planes. |
nasamad
Member Posts: 2121
From: Essex, UK
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 07-12-2011 03:34 PM
Never mind Colin, I just found Michelle Evans' website and can see a huge list of people interviewed including Armstrong and Engle. |
ColinBurgess
Member Posts: 2031
From: Sydney, Australia
Registered: Sep 2003
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posted 07-12-2011 05:30 PM
You're very welcome. If anyone wishes, check Michelle's X-15 book website. |
ea757grrl
Member Posts: 729
From: South Carolina
Registered: Jul 2006
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posted 07-12-2011 06:22 PM
Wow. That's all I can say -- this book will be something special, and I'm really looking forward to it! |
mbmckay
New Member Posts: 3
From: Rosamond, Ca. USA
Registered: Aug 2011
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posted 01-10-2012 12:35 PM
Hello! I'm one of Jack McKay's sons (Milton "Mac" McKay). This is my first posting and thought I could share some info on Dad's incident. He made the emergency landing because of an on-board electrical problem allowing his plane to produce only thirty percent thrust. though he tried to jettison as much fuel/weight as possible, he landed fast and heavy, collapsing a rear skid. The worst of his injuries from the crash was crushed vertebra when his head hit the lakebed, which there was really no "real" medical treatment for. Even though it was a good idea that he eject the canopy, anticipating a roll-over, he did get a pretty good dose of ammonia gas from the ruptured tank! Anyway, happy to join collectSPACE and look forward to chatting with you all! I included a link to a video! |
GACspaceguy
Member Posts: 2476
From: Guyton, GA
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 01-10-2012 01:00 PM
Great info! Welcome on board! |
Kite
Member Posts: 831
From: Northampton UK
Registered: Nov 2009
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posted 01-10-2012 02:16 PM
Yes, definately welcome to collectSPACE Mac. Its great to have the son of an X15 pilot as a member. I have loads of respect for those brave pioneers who tested an astonishing plane. Your Father will never be forgotten by aeroplane or space enthusiasts everywhere. |
nasamad
Member Posts: 2121
From: Essex, UK
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 01-10-2012 02:40 PM
Hi Mac, welcome to collectSPACE.I hope it wasn't out of turn to be asking questions about your father, but curiosity got the better of me and there's nowhere better than collectSPACE to ask obscure questions, as your presence here indicates! As stated above, we all have masses of respect for pioneers of flight and I now have even more after seeing that terrifying video! |
mbmckay
New Member Posts: 3
From: Rosamond, Ca. USA
Registered: Aug 2011
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posted 01-10-2012 02:41 PM
Thanks, Guys! another website regarding X-15 history is Paul Raveling's, Sierrafoot! Cheers!Just a note, one item I have, along with autographed photos, is 15-20lb piece of the rear landing strut from ship #2! |
LM-12
Member Posts: 3208
From: Ontario, Canada
Registered: Oct 2010
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posted 01-10-2012 08:20 PM
Here is a photo of that X-15 after the emergency landing by Jack McKay in 1962.In 1965, McKay gained astronaut status by flying his X-15 above 50 miles altitude. He was awarded his astronaut wings posthumously in 2005. |
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