Ivan Chisov

Ivan Mikhailovich Chisov (Russian: Иван Михайлович Чиcсов, Ukrainian: Іван Михайлович Чиссов; 1916–1986) was a Soviet Air Force lieutenant who survived a fall of approximately 7,000 meters (23,000 feet).

Lieutenant Colonel Chisov was a navigator on a Soviet Air Force Ilyushin Il-4 bomber.

He planned to drop below the level of the battle and open his chute once he was out of sight of the fighters.

Due to the thin atmosphere at that altitude, however, he lost consciousness and was unable to pull the rip cord.

Chisov struck the edge of a snowy ravine at an estimated speed of between 190 and 240 km/h (120 and 150 mph), then slid, rolled, and ploughed his way to the bottom.

Order of the Red Banner citation.