Lucky, Lucky, Lucky

During the first flight of the XP-86 Sabrejet, the nosewheel failed to extend beyond 20 degrees. Test Pilot George Welch made a high speed landing attempt on the Muroc dry lake bed, attempting to hold off the nose for as long as possible. As speeds fell below 78 kts, the nosewheel extended and touched down normally.

After touchdown, George Welch was heard chuckling laconically over the radio, "Lucky, lucky lucky!"