[Bobby777]

An F-16 from the Thunderbirds flying team explodes on impact at Mountain Home Air Force Base Sunday. The pilot ejected safely.

[xrp]

Already posted

[ibtheman]

I had crewed F-16's at bergstrom air force base, in Austin, tx. As a reservest. This goes to show you the importance of the ejection system. The pilot after he ejects from that particular system, he is now 1/4" to 1/2" shorter in height. The seat has 4 rocket motors. The a/c can be on the ground and still the pilot can eject safetly. The pilot can eject one more time from that system, and then he will be physically grounded from flying fighters, due to the spinal cord being compressed. That pilot is going to throw one big party for the guys that installed that seat, the guys that did the last servicing of that seat saved that mans life! The jet 30 million, a pilot no amount of money can replace him! The problem with the jet remains to be researched very thourghly. Even the pilot and crew chief, and who assisted the launch of that aircraft, they have to pee in the bottle, and give blood, no excuses!

[NerdDad]

Thunderbird crash Ping.

[borisbob69]

Brings back memories. I was an Air Traffic Controller in the Air Force (1966-1986) and spent 3 years at Nellis as well as my last 3 years on active duty at Mt Home. Saw the Thunderbirds perform dozens of times and always hoped they would be safe. Glad the pilot ejected successfully.

[JETDRVR]

Does Martin Baker still hand out the tie tacks for a sucessfull ejection?