YPSILANTI, MICHIGAN: A fighter jet crashed during an aerial performance at a show in Michigan after it completed several intricate maneuvers. The incident unfolded at the Thunder Over Michigan air show held at Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti on Sunday, August 14.
This marked the 25th anniversary of the Thunder Over Michigan event, which commenced on Saturday, August 12, and was scheduled to wrap up on Sunday, August 14. Following the crash, the show was abruptly halted, prompting organizers to request spectators to vacate the premises.
The aircraft involved was a MiG-23, a third-generation Soviet jet fighter that was in production from 1967 to 1985.
The crash occurred in close proximity to I-94 Service Road and Beck Road in Michigan, where visual evidence suggests that at least one of the plane's pilots used an ejection seat over Belleville Lake.
Pilots eject safely as MiG-23 fighter jet crashes during air show
A representative from the air show has confirmed that while the MiG-23 aircraft crashed, both pilots managed to eject safely just moments prior to the crash. They have been located and transported to a local hospital, with expectations of a full recovery.
The event program listed a pilot named Dan Filer as one of the participants in the air show. According to authorities, the crash site was near the Waverly on the Lake Apartments, causing the aircraft to collide with unoccupied vehicles within the apartment complex's parking lot.
A Twitter user posted a clip of the incident with the caption, "Video of plane crashing at the Thunder Over Michigan Air Show and pilots parachuting. Hoping everyone is ok."
Who is Dan Filer?
Retired Navy Lieutenant Commander Dan Filer possesses a compassionate nature along with a deep passion for aviation. According to Tyler Morning Telegraph, after an 18-year career in the Navy, Filer now owns the Unknown Aircraft Company in East Texas.
Presently, Filer dedicates himself to bringing joy to individuals spanning from 14 to 90 years old.
Filer's history involves piloting attack aircraft from aircraft carriers and embarking on 47 combat attack missions during the initial Gulf War. His profound connection to both flying and his country, however, traces back to his early years.
Originally hailing from upstate New York, Filer's upbringing took place on a farm within a centuries-old Colonial brick house. He was the youngest of four siblings and therefore did not have the money for flight training.
At the tender age of fifteen, Filer's introduction to flight occurred when he joined a friend of his father on a maiden voyage in a small propeller plane. He then decided to join the Navy as he knew he wanted to fly planes.
Photographer Scott Belanger captures fiery moment as plane crashes mid-air
WDIV reported a photographer by the name of Scott Belanger captured the moment when the plane caught fire while still in the air. There is currently no clarity on whether there were additional injuries resulting from the crash.
Fortunately, there have been no reported fatalities at this point. The air show organizers shared a Facebook update indicating that the show would be temporarily halted in light of the accident. "Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a situation that requires us to stop the show," they wrote.
In their announcement, they added, "Please make your way into your vehicles and calmly make your way out of the airfield. Please be patient as we control traffic around the area."
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is in the process of investigating the crash.
