The way it eventually DID go wrong was that Bader misjudged the height and dug his aircraft's wingtip into the turf, causing it to somersault and cartwheel some distance along the runway. It was a truly horrific crash, and Bader's right leg was nearly severed on impact. He lost the lower half of his left to gangrene soon afterwards.

That he recovered from this setback to become a distinguished fighter pilot during the Battle of Britain offsets his eligibility, but an Honourable Mention would surely compliment his impressive collection of awards won in battle.

Submitted on 11/20/2003

Submitted by: James
Reference: 'Reach For The Sky'

Copyright © 2003 DarwinAwards.com

Darwin said:
Definitely Toss: Not Amusing
Sorry James but I just don't find this story amusing! We all have a different sense of humor, and for some reason this one doesn't tickle my funnybone. But thank you for the well-written submission.

Jack said:
Neutral: Honorable Mention
Overconfident young pilots kill themselves too often. But in the interests of introducing this hero (who - after crashing in France in '41 - came very close to stealing an ME-109 and escaping to England) to another generation. This was not a PR "hero," Bader was the real thing!

Glen said:
Neutral: Urban Legend
I dont know where to put this - its a definate story reading the Bader history gives it truth however - the man was a fighter ace and gave the sorely pressed british a hero so even though it prob deserves a hon mention the successful career gives this more eligibility than it should recieve as you state other piolots were killed and severly injured doing the same thing - and you havent nominated them.

Daniel said:
Neutral: Honorable Mention
Low-level aerobatics by an overconfident pilot would seem eligible, but this guy is one of my life-long heroes.

Bert said:
Maybe Toss: No Self-Selection
But he lived, and apparently had a successful career.

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