YF-16 Viper’s First Unplanned Flight

On January 20, 1974, an unexpected moment in aviation history occurred at Edwards Air Force Base when General Dynamics test pilot Phil Oestricher took the YF-16 Viper on its unplanned maiden flight.

What was supposed to be a routine high-speed taxi test quickly turned into an emergency. As the prototype reached higher speeds, it began to roll uncontrollably, and Oestricher’s corrections only worsened the situation, sending the aircraft into dangerous oscillations.

Faced with the real possibility of losing control and damaging the only YF-16 in existence, Oestricher made a split-second decision. Following a safety briefing option, he decided to throttle up and take off rather than risk crashing on the runway.

What followed was an unintentional but successful six-minute flight that brought the prototype safely back to the ground without further issues. This impromptu first flight, though unplanned, marked the YF-16’s first true test in the air.

Oestricher’s quick thinking and calm response not only saved the aircraft but also helped pave the way for the YF-16 Viper to become one of the most iconic fighter jets in military aviation.