Denver Post: Thunderbirds fighter jet crashes in Colorado Springs
#1
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
Denver Post: Thunderbirds fighter jet crashes in Colorado Springs
A Thunderbirds fighter jet crashed south of Colorado Springs on Thursday afternoon just after the team had performed at the Air Force Academy’s graduation. The pilot ejected safely, and no one on the ground was hurt.
The crash happened about 1 p.m., minutes after the Thunderbirds’ F-16 jets flew over President Obama and others at the ceremony.
The crash happened about 1 p.m., minutes after the Thunderbirds’ F-16 jets flew over President Obama and others at the ceremony.
#2
Moderator Hilton Honors, Travel News, West, The Suggestion Box, Smoking Lounge & DiningBuzz
Join Date: Jun 2000
Programs: Honors Diamond, Hertz Presidents Circle, National Exec Elite
Posts: 36,024
http://www.kktv.com/content/news/Rep...381683861.html
https://www.facebook.com/kktv11news/...3933357353381/
https://www.facebook.com/kktv11news/...3933357353381/
Last edited by cblaisd; Jun 2, 2016 at 4:05 pm
#3
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
Sounds like something you can't accomplish without significant flight expertise and training. From the KKTV piece:
Hammond said the pilot was close to a residential area when he started having problems.
"He tried made a conscious effort to maneuver his aircraft away from neighborhoods," he said.
The pilot, identified as Maj. Alex Turner, was able to land the jet intact -- despite ejecting.
"It was slow speed, it was close to the ground [prior to crashing]...it looks like it impacted the ground, skidded a bit...it was a total aircraft [after landing]."
"He tried made a conscious effort to maneuver his aircraft away from neighborhoods," he said.
The pilot, identified as Maj. Alex Turner, was able to land the jet intact -- despite ejecting.
"It was slow speed, it was close to the ground [prior to crashing]...it looks like it impacted the ground, skidded a bit...it was a total aircraft [after landing]."