An F-16 fighter of the Air Force Thunderbirds flying team crashed south of Colorado Springs minutes after wrapping up an airshow over Air Force Academy graduation.
The pilot safely ejected about 1:15 p.m., according to the Colorado Springs Airport.
The plane crashed in a field across from the First Baptist Church in the Security/Widefield area, 7925 Fontaine Blvd.
(Photo: Andrew Rodriguez)
The Colorado Springs Fire Department reportedly is evaluating the pilot.
The pilot of the #6 jet ejected safely and is walking around unhurt. More details will be released as they become available. 2/2
— Air Combat Command (@USAF_ACC) June 2, 2016
The Air Force Academy said the plane suffered engine failure before the crash. The official cause of the failure is under investigation.
It is the first reported crash of one of the demonstration jets since 2003. The team was grounded briefly in 2005 after a in-air incident that didn’t result in a crash.
The Thunderbirds have flown over the academy’s graduation for generations without incident. The team flies stripped-down version of the Air Force fighter designed for high speed and tight turns.
The planes routinely are pressed to their limits, with maneuvers that can subject the aircraft to more than nine times the force of gravity.
A Fort Carson spokeswoman had no information on the crash. Peterson Air Force Base did not immediately return a phone call.
NOTE: I-25 is currently closed for the presidential motorcade.
