View Full Version : Point Mugu crash??
Anybody knows what happend at Point Mugu Airshow?
Just heard a rumour that a F-4 crashed during its airshow performance. Any links or facts available yet? :(
Cyclic Hotline
22nd Apr 2002, 20:20
Unfortunately it is a correct report. The accident was shown on TV over the weekend. Condolences to the families and colleagues of the victims.
Probe Continues Into Calif. Navy Air Show Crash
Sun Apr 21, 2:39 PM ET
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Investigators were working on Sunday to determine the cause of the weekend crash of a U.S. Navy (news - web sites) fighter jet at a Southern California air show that killed the pilot and navigator and horrified thousands of spectators.
The QF-4 Phantom dove into a wetlands area adjoining the Ventura County Naval Base at about noon on Saturday, killing the pilot, Navy Cmdr. Michael Norman, 39, and radar intercept officer, Marine Capt. Andrew Muhs, 31.
The commanding officer of the Ventura County Naval Base said he planned to release more information about the cause of crash later on Sunday.
"It is still under investigation," said Capt. Jim Rainwater, the base commanding officer. "Services are still pending. The families have not made a decision yet."
The last day of the three-day Point Mugu Air Show was canceled because of the crash.
Norman and Muhs were taking part in a low-altitude exercise with three other jets -- another Phantom and two F14 Tomcats -- when the accident occurred.
The aircraft caught fire while making a sharp turn in preparation for landing then peeled off and crashed in a massive fireball as thousands of spectators watched in horror.
It was the second crash in the air show's 39-year history and the first involving a fatality.
The two-seat, twin-jet Phantom model saw combat in Vietnam and the 1991 Gulf War (news - web sites) and has been used in the air forces of 11 countries beside the United States, according to the Boeing Co. Web site.
McDonnell Douglas built the first of the Phantom II series in 1958 and the last in 1979. The company was purchased by Boeing in 1997.
Condolences to the families and colleagues of the victims.
I can only repeat this statement! I'm sorry for everyone involved!
(I guess at the moment there aren't any closer details of what caused the crash.)
tinyrice
22nd Apr 2002, 21:24
US TV news video showed the aircraft cranked over in a tight right turn at what was reported to be 500 feet. There were two puffs of flame that you associate with an engine compressor stall so its possible they had a birdstrike. The aircraft rolled almost upside down, recovered and then nosed over pretty steeply while rolling violently. One crew member punched out at about 200 feet but the seat / chute didn't have time to work.
Thanks for your replies, guys!
Anyone knows if that video is on the web somewhere?
RRAAMJET
25th Apr 2002, 14:43
Mike Norman was a reserve pilot with the Navy; he was on furlough from American Airlines. What a tragic 12 months for Mike's family.....condolences.
Belgique
2nd May 2002, 18:10
imagery at this link (http://www.air-and-space.com/20020420%20Pt%20Mugu%20QF-4J%20Crash.htm)
http://www.air-and-space.com/20020420%20Pt%20Mugu%20QF-4J%20Crash.htm