Published August 14, 2023 6:37AM
‘A loud boom’; People describe Michigan airshow crash
BELLEVILLE, Mich. (FOX 2) – A MiG-23UB plane crashed during a Michigan air show, requiring its pilots to eject as it crashed into a Belleville apartment complex. The incident occurred during the Yankee Air Museum’s Thunder over Michigan air show on Sunday afternoon.
Witnesses at Willow Run Airport captured the moment the plane crashed, causing a plume of black smoke to fill the sky. Fortunately, no one was injured at the apartment complex or at the air show, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The crash occurred during the Afternoon Air Show, as stated in the event’s schedule. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash.
The plane that crashed was a MiG-23UB, a fixed-wing single-engine aircraft manufactured in 1981. The MiG-23UB is a Soviet-era jet that has been used in various conflicts, including missions over the Middle East. This specific model has two seats and can be used for striking, reconnaissance, or target designation purposes.
The crash took place at Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti Charter Township. The plane caught fire shortly after 4 p.m. during the demonstration and crashed into the parking lot of the Waverly on the Lake apartments in Belleville.
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported from the crash. Both pilots successfully ejected from the jet and were taken to a nearby hospital for precautionary measures. The plane did strike unoccupied vehicles in the apartment complex’s parking lot, but no debris struck anyone.
Multiple agencies, including Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and Detroit Metro Airport, have released statements regarding the crash. Dingell expressed relief that both pilots are safe and that no human injuries were reported. Detroit Metro Airport confirmed that the crash occurred during a MiG-23 demonstration and stated that the FAA is investigating the incident.
Residents of the Waverly Apartment Complex who were temporarily displaced by the crash were advised to report to their clubhouse by Van Buren Township. The Red Cross was present at the scene to provide assistance.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge people to avoid the crash site for their safety.
Who is leading the investigation into the crash at the Yankee Air Museum’s Thunder over Michigan air show
‘A Loud Boom’: Witnesses Describe Michigan Airshow Crash
BELLEVILLE, Mich. (FOX 2) – A dramatic incident unfolded at the Yankee Air Museum’s Thunder over Michigan air show on Sunday afternoon, as a MiG-23UB plane crashed into a Belleville apartment complex, prompting its pilots to eject. Fortunately, no injuries were reported at the apartment complex or at the air show, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Onlookers at Willow Run Airport captured the harrowing moment on video, showing the plane plummeting to the ground and creating a towering plume of black smoke. As authorities investigate the cause of the crash, it is believed that the incident occurred during the Afternoon Air Show, as scheduled.
The aircraft involved in the crash was a MiG-23UB, a Soviet-era jet with a single engine and manufactured in 1981. This particular model has two seats and has been utilized in various conflicts, including missions over the Middle East, for striking, reconnaissance, or target designation purposes.
The crash happened at Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti Charter Township, where the plane caught fire shortly after 4 p.m. during a demonstration and ultimately crashed into the parking lot of the Waverly on the Lake apartments in Belleville.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported as a result of the crash. Both pilots successfully ejected from the aircraft and were taken to a nearby hospital for precautionary measures. Although the plane did strike several unoccupied vehicles in the apartment complex’s parking lot, no debris struck any individuals.
Various agencies, including Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and Detroit Metro Airport, have released statements concerning the crash. Dingell expressed her relief that both pilots emerged unharmed and that no human injuries were reported. Detroit Metro Airport confirmed that the incident occurred during a MiG-23 demonstration and noted that the FAA is leading the investigation.
Residents temporarily displaced by the crash were instructed to report to their clubhouse in Van Buren Township, where the Red Cross was on-site to provide assistance.
While authorities continue to investigate, it is strongly advised that individuals refrain from visiting the crash site for their own safety.
