By Thai Newsroom Reporters
AN AIR FORCE F-5 TH SUPER TIGRIS fighter crash-landed seconds after the pilot jettisoned to safety in Lopburi today (Dec. 3), said Air Force spokesman AVM Prapat Sonjaidee.
The Northrop F-5 jet fighter based at Wing 21 in Ubon Ratchathani was taking part in a tactical air exercise over Chai Badan district of the central province when a glitch immediately occurred aboard the aircraft, prompting Wg Cdr Suthimet Uamma to eject himself off, according to the Air Force spokesman.
The F-5 TH Super Tigris fighter deployed since 1981 reportedly crash-landed on a hillside terrain far from villages while the pilot who landed to safety with a parachute broke his arm and leg and was rushed to a hospital, AVM Prapat said.
Uninhabited high terrains in Chai Badan district are specifically reserved for the Air Force’s tactical air exercises regularly conducted by jet fighters from air wings in the central and northeastern provinces.
The F-5 TH Super Tigris fighter which was modified to fly a total of 9,000 hours has already served 6,700 hours until the mishap, the Air Force spokesman said.
The two-seater fighter was flown by the lone pilot and nobody else aboard during the mid-air exercise, he said.
However, the Air Force is yet to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, he said.
CAPTION:
Top: The parachute that Wg Cdr Suthimet Uamma used to bail out.Photo: Sanook.com
Below: The injured pilot and debris of the crash fighter. Photos: Matichon and Sanook.com
Home Page: Wg Cdr Suthimet getting medical treatment after he was rescued. Photo: Sanook.com
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