Community Corner
After Jet Crash, USAF Thunderbirds' Appearance at RI Air Show Uncertain
USAF Thunderbirds still on the schedule but a jet crash on Thursday has the demonstration team standing down for the time being.
NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI—The USAF Thunderbirds are still on the schedule of performances for the upcoming Rhode Island National Guard Open House Air Show, but their appearance is in doubt after one of their F-16 jets crashed near Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado on Thursday.
The pilot, Air Force Maj. Alex Turner safely ejected from the plane before the crash and is in good condition, able to walk not long after the mishap, according to Air Force officials.
Because of the crash, the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Team will be stood down "for an undetermined amount of time," according to a USAF Thunderbirds news release.
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"A stand down following a significant mishap is standard procedure, allowing accident investigation officials to gather facts and ensure the continued safe operation of our aircraft," the release stated.
The air show, which brings upwards of 75,000 people to Quonset State Airport, is scheduled for June 11 and 12.
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Admission and parking to the show is free. There's a donation collection at the entrance.
The crash happened moments after a group of Thunderbird jets flew over a crowd listening to President Barack Obama addressing cadets at an Air Force Commencement. In an unusual twist, news of the crash broke as Obama's motorcade was on the road. Turner soon found himself shaking hands with the President.
Even more unusual—and tragic—was a second crash that occurred on the same day when 32-year-old Capt. Jeff Kuss was killed when his Navy Blue Angels jet crashed near Nashville.
Turner, who flies the No. 6 jet, is a Chelmsford, MA-native and has logged more than 1,200 flight hours during his career with the Air Force. Along with dazzling crowds with aerial acrobatics with the USAF Thunderbirds, he flew more than 270 combat hours over Libya and Iraq and has served as an F-16 instructor at Hill Air Force Base in Utah.
For information about the Rhode Island Air Show, visit the official website and follow the show on Twitter and Facebook.
All photos Patch file photos.
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