Pioche, NV: U-2 stealth test crash kills pilot
On April 4, 1957, Lockheed test pilot Robert L. Sieker crashed a radar-absorbent coated U-2 near Pioche, Nevada, during a test flight from Area 51. He ejected but was fatally struck by debris.
Background
Incident
On April 4, 1957, test pilot Robert L. Sieker took off from Groom Lake (Area 51) in the U-2A (Article 341) on a test flight. The aircraft was coated with a special radar-absorbing paint to test its stealth properties (Project Rainbow, 'Dirty Bird'). After almost 90 miles (about 145 km) the coating caused overheating, engine failure, and loss of control. At 72,000 feet (about 22 km) the cabin pressure failed and Sieker lost consciousness. At 65,000 feet (about 20 km) the aircraft entered a flat spin.
Rescue Attempt and Crash
Sieker came to at lower altitude, released the canopy, and bailed out. He was struck by the tail of the aircraft and killed. His body was found 200 feet (61 m) from the wreck, which burned northwest of Pioche, Nevada. The aircraft was destroyed.
Witnesses and Investigations
The Civil Air Patrol located the wreck days later in a valley west of Pioche. Lockheed officially described it as 'research into high-altitude turbulence'. The death certificate and accident reports confirm the details. No further witnesses are named.
Significance
The first loss of a U-2 caused by a stealth coating, which trapped heat and produced flameouts. It underlines the risks of the secret Area 51 tests during the Cold War. CIA-operated and highly classified; the site's existence remained secret in 1957.