Otherwise as they jump, the crew can be sucked into engines or simply killed by the high airspeed of the plane. Given the damage the Navy aircraft suffered in the collision with the F-8 fighter, a bailout would have meant certain death to several crew members because the pilot was clearly unable to fully control the plane. Administration officials have confirmed the plane fell 8,000 feet suddenly at the time of the collision. The nose cone, just under the cockpit, was sheared off and possibly then flew backward, damaging two engines and the wing on the left side. By the time pilot landed, his indicators showed no airspeed, and he had lost other key flight controls.
Officials say it is amazing the pilot was able to land the plane at all.
Once that took place, there was less of a reason to risk lives by parachuting out of the plane. ABC News Internet Ventures. Internet Safety Information applicable to the site.