Posted on 04/05/2018 11:51:06 AM PDT by BenLurkin
The U.S. Air Force is grieving the loss of one of its own after a Thunderbirds training flight went tragically wrong.
A Thunderbird pilot crashed during a demonstration at Nellis Air Force Base just outside of Las Vegas. The team says it was a routine flight and are now looking into what could have caused the crash.
The accident came just a few days before the team was scheduled to perform at the March Field Air & Space Expo at March Air Reserve Base in California. In light of the tragedy, the performance has been canceled.
(Excerpt) Read more at kktv.com ...
RIP....had a bad feeling yesterday when it broke
Ugh.
Was at the Thunderbird crash at Hill AFB in May 1981 when I was in 9th Grade.
Flying high performance aircraft is ALWAYS risky, be it in training, combat, or aerial acrobatics.
RIP, brave pilot.
I know the risk is always understood and willingly assumed, but it still results in shock and grief.
So sad.
And touched the face of God
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qx3WueJWlb4
Squadron Slot Pilot Thunderbird 4, Maj. Stephen Del Bagno
Damn! My late father retired from the Air Force as a Chief 43 years ago. He was a career aircraft (fighters) maintenance guy who worked with the Thunderbirds twice and I’ve seen them fly every aircraft since the F-100. They are among the very best fighter pilots the Air Force has and we can hardly afford to lose them.
I remember very well what it was like to see the blue staff car driving slowly through our on-base neighborhoods. The wives and children of every pilot and crew member held their collective breaths until the car had passed...
Rest in peace Major Del Bagno - “Here’s a toast to the Host of those who love the vastness of the sky!”
The first time I saw the Thunderbirds they were flying F-100’s at Federick Maryland. They can in supersonic to start their show. It was very impressive.
It’s time to end these silly, useless, and dangerous expositions.
What purpose do they serve? Better off to spend the fuel on combat training.
Someone has to say this every time don't they?
The 'Birds and Blues have recruited generations to a job where 30% won't live to retirement. Almost everyone who is a veteran flyboy on FR has seen the TBirds or Blue Angels before running to the recruiters.
More people die sitting on their couches eating Cheetos than in all the flight demo teams since Orville and Wilbur gave us the gift of powered flight.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.