On July 28, 1965, I flew formation leader training exercises for a radar station in Southern Germany with a Fiat G.91. After about 30 minutes of flight time, the oil warning light came on red. I was guided back to my home airfield by radar and initiated an emergency landing procedure.

At about 300 meters altitude, with reduced engine power, the RPM dropped to zero after strong vibrations, and an engine fire broke out at the same time. I was still able to steer the aircraft toward uninhabited terrain and activated the ejection seat.

It took one second for the canopy to blow off, the ejection seat to fire, and I was hanging under the parachute. While descending, I could watch the burning aircraft until it crashed into the ground. I landed without any injury. My first thought on the ground was: Martin-Baker saved my life!