The Story of a German Pilot Melting Alive Due to Corrosive Fuel in WWII’s Bizarre Me 163 Komet

Among the many unusual aircraft developed during World War II, the Me163 Komet stands out as a strange and dangerous creation. It was a rocket-powered fighter, the only one ever to be used operationally in history, and the first aircraft capable of exceeding 1,000 kilometers per hour. Despite its potential, the Me163 proved to be both innovative and deadly, claiming the lives of many German pilots.

Designed as a high-speed interceptor, the Komet was meant to counter Allied bombing raids. Its development involved extensive testing, during which many pilots were killed. The aircraft used highly volatile rocket fuel that posed extreme risks. Although the Komet managed to achieve some combat success by downing 16 enemy planes, its operational limitations, high cost, and dangerous design made it a failure. Allied forces quickly adapted by targeting the airfields from which the Komets operated, further reducing their effectiveness.

The Deadly Design and Perils of the Me 163 Komet

The Komet had a unique and compact design. Its first prototype, the Me163A, was used mainly for pilot training and was unarmed. The aircraft lacked traditional landing gear and relied on a detachable undercarriage for takeoff. However, this system often caused problems, as the wheels could bounce back and strike the aircraft. Once airborne, the Komet had only about eight minutes of fuel, after which the pilot had to glide it back to the ground. Landing was particularly hazardous, as the aircraft could flip or crash if it missed the prepared airfield, leading to injuries such as facial fractures and spinal damage.

The rocket fuel itself was one of the Komet’s most dangerous features. The fuel comprised two substances: a highly concentrated form of hydrogen peroxide called T-Stoff and a mixture of methanol, hydrazine, calcium permanganate, and water known as C-Stoff. When combined, these chemicals created a violent reaction that propelled the aircraft to incredible speeds. However, both substances were highly corrosive and volatile. If the fuel leaked or came into contact with skin, it could cause severe burns or even dissolve flesh.

Pilots of the Komet faced constant dangers. They wore asbestos-lined suits for protection, but these were often insufficient against fuel leaks. The unpressurized cockpit, combined with the aircraft’s extreme acceleration and rapid changes in altitude, could cause severe health issues. Pilots were required to follow a strict diet to avoid gas buildup in their intestines, as even minor physiological issues could become life-threatening during flight.

The Horrifying Incident of Wolfgang Späte

One of the most horrifying incidents involving the Komet occurred on December 30, 1943. A test pilot, Wolfgang Späte, was attempting to take off in a Komet when its undercarriage malfunctioned. The bouncing wheels struck the aircraft’s fuel line, causing a leak of the highly corrosive T-Stoff. Späte attempted to glide the damaged plane back to safety, but it crashed in the town of Bad Zwischenahn.

Eyewitnesses described the aftermath as gruesome. When rescuers reached the wreckage, they found Späte severely injured but still alive. Unfortunately, the leaking fuel had already caused catastrophic injuries. His skin and flesh were being dissolved by the corrosive liquid. One account mentioned that his right arm had been reduced to a jelly-like substance, while his other arm and head showed similar damage. Rescuers reported finding a pink slime in the cockpit, which they believed to be the remains of the pilot.

This incident highlighted the extreme dangers associated with the Komet. Despite its advanced engineering and potential to revolutionize aerial combat, the aircraft was more hazardous to its pilots than to its enemies. The Me163 Komet remains a stark reminder of the risks of wartime innovation and the toll it took on those who operated these experimental machines.