An F-16 fighter jet, of the Air Force’s Thunderbirds flying team, reportedly crashed just minutes after an air demonstration above the Air Force Academy’s graduation in Colorado Springs, Colo.
One of the final #Thunderbird flyovers at Air Force Academy graduation before reported crash pic.twitter.com/IyYbOz0hZ7
— John Frank (@ByJohnFrank) June 2, 2016
President Obama spoke at the graduation and was still on site at the time of the accident, according to The Associated Press.
BREAKING: Air Force: Thunderbird jet crashes after flyover of academy commencement attended by Obama.
— The Associated Press (@AP) June 2, 2016
The pilot safely ejected at about 1:15 p.m. just prior to the plane’s crash landing in a field across from a Baptist church in Widefield, Colo., according to The Gazette, citing Colorado Springs Airport officials.
The U.S. Air Combat Command confirmed the crash as well as the pilot’s safe ejection via Twitter, promising more details as they became available.
A @AFThunderbirds jet crashed in a field outside Colorado Springs after performing at the @AF_Academy graduation. 1/2
— Air Combat Command (@USAF_ACC) June 2, 2016
The pilot of the #6 jet ejected safely and is walking around unhurt. More details will be released as they become available. 2/2
— Air Combat Command (@USAF_ACC) June 2, 2016
.@Thunderbirds pilot here for @AF_Academy graduation ejects b4 crash. https://t.co/dgqgWt67vQ pic via @NathanVanDyne pic.twitter.com/VrAdQzhuz1
— Jerry Herman (@coloherman) June 2, 2016
The report states that the local fire department is on scene and evaluating the pilot, who, citing the Air Force Academy, said the plane’s engine failed. The aircraft is also under investigation.
Since 2003, Air Force Academy graduation flyovers have not had a crash. The F-16s, reported The Gazette, have been conducting the demonstrations for years.
.@POTUS on why leading America’s military has been the highest honor of his life: https://t.co/GaaofsONv5
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 2, 2016
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