A MiG-23UB fighter jet crashed at the Thunder Over Michigan airshow on Sunday, August 13, during a demonstration flight at Willow Run Airport. The jet crashed into the parking lot of an apartment complex in Belleville, Michigan, after both occupants ejected.
Thunder Over Michigan accident
Footage circulated of the accident show the two occupants of the aircraft ejecting prior to the impact. The two were subsequently transported to a local hospital facility as a precaution, but are reported not to have sustained any significant injury.
The aircraft was being flown at the Michigan airshow event which was hosted by the Yankee Air Museum. The cause of the crash is under investigation, but officials believe that it may have been due to a mechanical failure.
The two people who ejected from the plane were taken to a local hospital for minor injuries. They have since been released.
The crash occurred just after 4:00 PM local time, just as the airshow was coming to a close. The show was immediately stopped and the area was evacuated. No one on the ground was injured.
“The pilot and backseater successfully ejected from the aircraft before the crash,” Wayne County Airport Authority stated.
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“While it did not appear they sustained any significant injuries, first responders transported the pair to a nearby hospital as a precaution.”
The two people who ejected from the plane were taken to a local hospital for minor injuries. They have since been released.
The crash is a reminder of the dangers of airshows. Even though these events are carefully planned and executed, there is always the potential for something to go wrong. It is important to remember that these pilots are putting their lives on the line every time they take to the sky.
The MiG-23UB
The MiG-23UB hails from a Soviet aircraft type which was originally first produced in the 1970s. It is a high-performance aircraft that is capable of Mach 2.3 speeds. It is understood that this is the first time that one of its type has crashed at an airshow in the United States.
The crash comes as a reminder of the importance of safety at airshows. Whilst such events allow enthusiasts to view unique aircraft at close quarters it reminds us that airshow attendees should always follow safety instructions and be aware of their surroundings.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report on the crash in the coming weeks.
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