1999 Le Mans airborne crash - GIF and video

[Altair]

1999 Le Mans Mercedes-Benz CLR airborne crash. Driver Peter Dumbreck escaped uninjured.



1:28 video:

Previously:

1955 Le Mans disaster; worst accident in motorsports history - video
1965 Le Mans race car drivers sprint to cars to start race - photos
1950 Cadillac Le Mans concept car - photo

[nova_robotics]

If you look closely, the brake lights are on while the car is airborne. Jumping on the binders isn't going to do a lot when you're flying my man.

[Frank S]

If you look closely, the brake lights are on while the car is airborne. Jumping on the binders isn't going to do a lot when you're flying my man.

Well. stepping on the gas wasn't going to do much good either. Those indelible fingerprints in the steering wheel were all he had left

[hemmjo]

Actually, smashing the brake, while airborne, abruptly stops the four tires/wheels and transfers all of that rotational energy from wheels to the car body. This would cause it to pitch forward at the nose. MX motorcycle riders can use the brake/throttle while airborne to adjust the trim of the bike so it lands properly. I am not saying Dumbreck made the situation worse by applying the brakes. I am thinking his brain said BRAKES, when he felt the front get light, but it was too late for that. After the car took off he was just along for the ride.

Here is a video of a flying car, where the driver did not slam on the brakes, simply backed off the throttle a little, then continued, back on the throttle when the car settled down. The car was damaged when it came back down but won the race. Then he went to the trailer and changed his pants!!

[Fluffle-Valve]

Proper Brown Trouser moment.