A Soviet-era MiG-23 fighter jet has crashed during a demonstration run at the Thunder Over Michigan airshow event on Sunday, August 13th. The incident which took place at Willow Run Airport during the event, saw the former military jet crash into the parking lot of an apartment complex in Belleville, Michigan.
Both occupants of the aircraft managed to eject before the crash occurred, and was captured on video footage which was subsequently posted to social media channels.
Occupants Safe
The two occupants who ejected from the aircraft were immediately rushed to a local hospital facility as a precautionary measure. There were no reported injuries sustained on the ground.
Fortunately, reports indicate that neither of the jets operating crew sustained significant injuries, and they have since been released. The early ejection of the occupants likely played a pivotal role in ensuring their safety during this harrowing event.
Thunder Over Michigan
While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, early speculations have suggested the possibility of a mechanical failure, tough this remains inconclusive at the early stage.
The aviation community, along with enthusiasts and concerned citizens, awaits the findings of the investigation to shed light on the series of events that led to this tragic incident.
A Glimpse at the Crash Scene
The crash occurred around 4:00 PM, as the Thunder Over Michigan airshow was wrapping up for the day. The show was abruptly halted, and the area was promptly evacuated to ensure the safety of the attendees and onlookers.
Miraculously, no one on the ground was injured due to the crash, despite the aircraft’s proximity to the apartment complex.
The Wayne County Airport Authority released a statement acknowledging the successful ejection of the pilot and backseater from the aircraft before the crash. Although their injuries seemed minor, both were taken to a nearby hospital for examination as a precaution.
MiG-23: A Notorious Legacy
The aircraft in question has been identified as a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23UB fighter, registration N23UB, which was originally manufactured in 1981.
The MiG-23, a Soviet-era fighter jet, first emerged in the 1970s and swiftly gained a reputation for its high-performance capabilities, including speeds of up to Mach 2.3.
The iconic aircraft type has been involved in multiple crashes throughout its operational history, having flown operations in several conflicts, including the Middle East. The Thunder Over Michigan airshow incident marks the first time a MiG-23 has crashed during an airshow within the United States.
Ongoing Investigation
To ascertain the root cause of the crash, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is spearheading an in-depth investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is providing valuable support to the NTSB in this endeavor.