This film, A NIGHT ON JACKRABBIT MESA (adopted for the Department of the Army’s use) was produced under the supervision and cooperation of the U.S. Air Force, Army and Navy. The film shows the aftermath of a fatal military plane crash, and explores the role of civil authorities in dealing with the emergency. The film was likely produced as a result of heightened dangers to civilians during the Cold War, with military airplane accidents occurring with some frequency, some involving “broken arrow” aircraft that carried nuclear weapons.
The film opens at the crash scene with the collection of charred remains from the site (1:42). Later these pieces will be utilized to recreate the craft to discover the cause or causes of the crash (1:49). Guests at a local dance event hear and then witness the explosion and one man will notify the local authorities (3:41). The deputy dispatches a patrol officer to the scene (4:03). The authorities will utilize the government pamphlet on military aircraft accidents (5:43) and report all information collected to the military (7:02). Police and spectators arrive at the site and the sheriff has been informed (7:41). On the scene, car headlights are used for visibility (8:00) and the search begins for the pilot. The utmost caution must be used especially when necessary to cross the wrecks path as missiles and rockets may be aboard (9:27). In this particular occurrence, spectators have already interfered with the evidence (9:30). The sheriff arrives on scene (9:50). It is vital to find survivors quickly as they may get trampled by vehicles (10:04). Authorities are attempting to keep civilians back and set up a barricade and roadblock (10:19). A pilot is found dead, and ambulance is called (11:36) yet, unbeknownst to the officers, there is another survivor that was able to eject in time (11:51). Secondary fires and explosions are always a hazard and one pedestrian is severely injured (14:19). Although reporters arrive (16:28) not much information will be obtained for names cannot be released before next of kin has been informed, and any material may be classified (17:50). The information officer will be the most reliable source and as he and military investigators arrive, the job of the civil authorities will end (19:06). Meanwhile the surviving pilot has made it to the road and is spotted by a driver (19:54). The cost of this man’s treatment will all be covered by the military (20:23). The film is coming to a close as the pamphlet authorities utilized for procedure during the military aircraft crash is shown (21:46). The film was produced by Aerospace Audio Visual Service.
We encourage viewers to add comments and, especially, to provide additional information about our videos by adding a comment! See something interesting? Tell people what it is and what they can see by writing something for example: “01:00:12:00 — President Roosevelt is seen meeting with Winston Churchill at the Quebec Conference.”
This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
