Phil Oestricher

Philip F. Oestricher (1931 – December 18, 2015) was an American aerodynamics engineer and test pilot.^[1] He made both the unscheduled first flight of the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon on January 20, 1974 and its official first flight on February 2, 1974.^[2][3]

Career[]

Oestricher worked at Consolidated Vultee as an aerodynamics engineer on the B-36 bomber. He later served in the United States Marine Corps, where he flew the F-4D Skyray. As a test pilot, Oestricher flew all models of the F-111 fighter-bomber.^[1]

On January 20, 1974, Oestricher piloted the unscheduled first flight of the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon at Edwards Air Force Base, California. While performing high-speed ground tests, Oestricher nearly lost control of the aircraft when it entered a series of roll oscillations. Oestricher elected to take the craft airborne to avoid crashing and remained in flight for six minutes. Oestricher also piloted the F-16's official first flight on February 2, 1974.^[2][3] He contributed to the development of multiple versions of the F-16 and established F-16 safety protocols.^[1]

Death[]

Oestricher died in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 18, 2015, at the age of 84.^[1]

References[]

External links[]

• "Memorable Moment - YF-16 Test Pilot Phil Oestricher". Lockheed Martin. April 4, 2012. Retrieved August 16, 2021.

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