An F-16D Fighting Falcon plane belonging to the Thunderbirds, a famous aerobatics team of the American Air Force, landed on its back this Friday during a rehearsal for an air show (Dayton Air Show) that would take place this Saturday in Ohio, USA. .
Aircraft number 8 was being flown by Erik Gonsalves, with the supervision of Technical Sergeant Kenneth Cordova, when it crashed while trying to land at Dayton International Airport in high winds and rain. The two airmen were taken to a hospital after the incident, they are doing well but receiving medical care.
It took 90 minutes to get the pilots out of the plane that was “upside down”, the technical sergeant did not have major injuries, but Gonsalves had abrasions and injuries to his legs. The pilot had 1600 flight hours in the aircraft, not counting his experience in other combat fighters. The aircraft has since been removed from the site.
“As the investigation continues, our primary focus is the well-being of our airmen, their families and their return to mission,” said Lieutenant Colonel Jason Heard, commander/leader of the Thunderbirds. “Safety is our top priority,” added Heard.
The flight took place during a site supervision as Gonsalves is the narrator of the Thunderbirds air show and the pilot responsible for checking the site conditions. This Saturday's presentation was cancelled, Sunday's is still being evaluated by the team.
