View Full Version : Thunderbird down after USAFA graduation
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. -
A plane crashed south of Colorado Springs Thursday.
The plane landed in a field near S. Powers Boulevard and Fontaine Boulevard.
Early reports are that the pilot ejected and is okay. The Colorado Springs Fire Department said that the pilot was being evaluated by Air Force Academy paramedics.
A photo provided by a KRDO NewsChannel 13 viewer shows the plane did not start a fire and is intact.
The Thunderbirds were performing in the area for the Air Force Academy graduation at the time of the incident.
Roads are closed in the area.
Link: http://www.krdo.com/news/possible-plane-crash-south-of-colorado-springs-airport/39868546
ETA: Update (http://www.denverpost.com/2016/06/02/thunderbird-crash-colorado-springs/)
Pat
Old Dog New Trick
06-02-2016, 15:00
Okay this is really getting weird.
Navy Blue Angel jet crashes in Smyrna, Tenn. during a practice flight.
http://www.king5.com/news/navy-blue-angel-jet-crashes-in-smyrna/228617715
(Sent from KING 5)
Okay this is really getting weird.
Navy Blue Angel jet crashes in Smyrna, Tenn. during a practice flight.
http://www.king5.com/news/navy-blue-angel-jet-crashes-in-smyrna/228617715
(Sent from KING 5)
Hmmm. "Coincidentally, the crash happened at almost the same time an Air Force Thunderbird jet crashed following the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony in Colorado Springs, Colorado."
Pat
Old Dog New Trick
06-02-2016, 15:11
What happened in the WH today?
"Redacted"
My tin foil hat is itching.
Old Dog New Trick
06-02-2016, 15:36
That's a big hole in the ground.
Navy Blue Angel jet crashes in Tennessee, 1 dead
http://www.king5.com/news/navy-blue-angel-jet-crashes-in-smyrna/228617715
(Sent from KING 5)
RIP Capt. Jeff Kuss.
I was hoping he would have gotten out safely.
Rest In Peace, Captain!
Sad day!
Utah Bob
06-02-2016, 18:14
The F16 apparently landed itself! Kinda bent though.
Denver news goobers said breathlessly, "Air Force plane crashes and President Obama is right there!"
Well, he was in the same state. :rolleyes:
Utah Bob
06-02-2016, 18:16
I was hoping he would have gotten out safely.
Rest In Peace, Captain!
Sad day!
Takeoff problems are rough! Survival rate goes way down.
Time to end this waste of military funds.
Team Sergeant
06-02-2016, 19:35
Time to end this waste of military funds.
wow once you and I agree!
Golf1echo
06-02-2016, 20:34
Very sorry to hear about any crashes let alone fatalities. There were some G's being pulled in the skies today and I wasn't particularly close. Busy skies with Marine One plying their craft for several days now as well.
Red Flag 1
06-03-2016, 13:32
Time to end this waste of military funds.
It does gobble up funds. It might be a good time for the T-birds to stand down for a bit.
Badger52
06-03-2016, 15:14
It does gobble up funds. It might be a good time for the T-birds to stand down for a bit.Maybe they could donate some parts to the operational units.
Red Flag 1
06-03-2016, 15:31
Maybe they could donate some parts to the operational units.
If the Thunderbirds were disbanded, their F-16s would be repainted and cycled into current sortie needs.
This comes up from time to time, usually after mishaps that loose both the aircraft and pilot. Who knows, our current leadership has enough time left to ditch both the USAF, and US Navy show teams. Keep in mind, where ever the show teams come to town, there is plenty of money that is spent in the local areas. The teams are also a positive recruiting image, that has people thinking positive things about our military. If you have never been to the Blue Angels, or the USAF Thunderbirds Air Show, go to a show, they are quite something to watch. But then, I'm preaching to the Choir.
Badger52
06-03-2016, 15:56
If the Thunderbirds were disbanded, their F-16s would be repainted and cycled into current sortie needs.
This comes up from time to time, usually after mishaps that loose both the aircraft and pilot. Who knows, our current leadership has enough time left to ditch both the USAF, and US Navy show teams. Keep in mind, where ever the show teams come to town, there is plenty of money that is spent in the local areas. The teams are also a positive recruiting image, that has people thinking positive things about our military. If you have never been to the Blue Angels, or the USAF Thunderbirds Air Show, go to a show, they are quite something to watch. But then, I'm preaching to the Choir.I've been to both several times & always enjoyed the various teams; and the economic impact is not insignificant. Also was impressed with a 4-person USMC team that came in with a pair of Hornets, each plane chief in the backseat, and took turns the whole weekend upstaging the Thunderbirds. Just seems like the support tail needed for these teams right now could be better utilized - but as you say we wouldn't be here if current situation was being run differently.
If the Thunderbirds were disbanded, their F-16s would be repainted and cycled into current sortie needs.
This comes up from time to time, usually after mishaps that loose both the aircraft and pilot. Who knows, our current leadership has enough time left to ditch both the USAF, and US Navy show teams. Keep in mind, where ever the show teams come to town, there is plenty of money that is spent in the local areas. The teams are also a positive recruiting image, that has people thinking positive things about our military. If you have never been to the Blue Angels, or the USAF Thunderbirds Air Show, go to a show, they are quite something to watch. But then, I'm preaching to the Choir.
None, repeat, NONE of what you mentioned justifies the ridiculous cost. It's time to stop funding the circus acts. The same goes for military bands and parachute teams. Military funds should be used to support War fighters not entertainers.
Red Flag 1
06-03-2016, 16:28
None, repeat, NONE of what you mentioned justifies the ridiculous cost. It's time to stop funding the circus acts. The same goes for military bands and parachute teams. Military funds should be used to support War fighters not entertainers.
If there ever was a time that it could happen, between now and the end of the year
is the best time window. I guess we'll see.
None, repeat, NONE of what you mentioned justifies the ridiculous cost. It's time to stop funding the circus acts. The same goes for military bands and parachute teams. Military funds should be used to support War fighters not entertainers.
I agree to a pint, that "entertainment" stuff is also a recruitment tool, how effective, I don't know.
But yes, you would have to figure out the cost effectiveness.
Didn't The NC NG back out of NASCAR lately, the bang for the buck wasn't there... Or, It could've been the Army NG, can't remember...
As much as the close attn. to detail of maintenance these planes have, and one burned, well two...hmmmm