Dayton, OH- 23 JUN 2017, at 1230 HRS a two seat Thunderbird F-16D was taxing to a staging area after landing when a gust of wind forced from the taxiway and into the grass. At this time the aircraft flipped onto its back. The two man crew was extracted with minor injuries. The crew consisted of the pilot in the front seat and a crew chief in the back. It took two hours to extract one of the crew. No names were released at this time. The crew was transported to Miami Valley Hospital.
WATCH EARLY NEWS REPORT ON MISHAP HERE
Sgt. Penelope Reed of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office in Dayton says a report was received around 12:30 p.m. Friday of a jet off the end of a runway and on its top at the Dayton International Airport. She says Wright-Patterson Air Force Base dispatched a crash team and heavy rescue crew.
“The United States Air Force Thunderbirds were conducting a single-ship familiarization flight on Friday, June 23, 2017.” Upon landing, there was a mishap at the Dayton International Airport with an F-16D Fighting Falcon at approximately 12:20 p.m.”
-Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek.
“Our first priority is taking care of our Thunderbird teammates and ensuring future safety. Our performance this weekend in the Dayton Air Show is to be determined.”
-Lt. Col. Jason Heard,
Commander, 57th Air Demonstration Squadron
Thanks for all the love and support. I’m doing okay. More to follow, I’m thankful for all our friendships. @AFThunderbirds ? pic.twitter.com/1zzHWXQ7nA
— Thunderbird 8 (@AFthunderbird08) June 24, 2017
The last mishap involving the Thunderbirds was at Peterson AFB, CO on 2 JUN, 2016.
Read more about the 2 JUN mishap.
