Airshow Crash at Thunder Over Michigan Leaves Pilots Unharmed
Ypsilanti – The 25th Thunder Over Michigan airshow took a terrifying turn on Sunday when a fighter jet crashed during the finale, causing billows of black smoke and distress among the crowd. The incident occurred at Willow Run Airport, where thousands of aviation enthusiasts had gathered to witness the spectacle. Two pilots were able to eject from the MiG-23UB fighter plane mid-air and were later rescued from Belleville Lake. The jet ultimately crashed into unoccupied vehicles in the parking lot of the Waverly on the Lake Apartments in Van Buren Township. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported.
Marsha Bogardus, who had been watching the show with her children on Belleville Lake, captured the crash on video. She described the chaotic scene, stating that the loud booms had frightened her children and caused panic among the spectators. The jet plummeted straight down near an apartment complex, and Bogardus was unsure of its exact landing location.
Both the pilot and backseater successfully ejected from the aircraft before the crash. Although they appeared to have escaped major injuries, they were taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Superior Township as a precautionary measure. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will conduct an investigation into the crash, with the NTSB taking the lead. The cause of the incident is currently unknown.
Multiple videos of the crash circulated online, showing the two figures ejecting from the jet and parachutes deploying. Witnesses also reported seeing smoke south of the airport. Mark McCulloch, who was present at the airshow, recounted the moment when he noticed the crash. He stated that there were no loud noises or signs of trouble before the jet went down.
In response to the crash, Van Buren Township police, county sheriff’s deputies, and other authorities arrived at the scene near Interstate 94 and the service drive. They blocked off roads and directed show fans away from the area. The Thunder Over Michigan airshow, which showcases modern and vintage military planes, draws thousands of spectators each year. This year marks its 25th anniversary, and the event features 55 planes requested from all over the world.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, expressed her concern over the incident and confirmed that both pilots were safe with no reported injuries. She emphasized the importance of conducting thorough physical assessments to ensure everyone’s safety. Eyewitnesses Naretee Vaughn and Prentiss Small were taken aback by the crash, stating that they had never witnessed anything like it before, despite having attended numerous airshows in the past.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the aviation community and airshow enthusiasts are left grappling with the shock of the crash. The Thunder Over Michigan airshow, which has delighted audiences for a quarter of a century, will undoubtedly take measures to prevent similar accidents in future events.
Original Story at www.detroitnews.com – 2023-08-14 02:00:55
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