MiG-23UB Fighter Jet Crashes into Michigan Apartment Complex During Air Show
BELLEVILLE, Mich. – A MiG-23UB fighter jet crashed into a Belleville apartment complex during the Thunder over Michigan air show, causing the pilots to eject. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. Sunday at Willow Run Airport. Fortunately, both pilots successfully ejected and did not sustain any significant injuries, although they were taken to a nearby hospital as a precaution, according to the airport authority.
Eyewitnesses attending the air show captured the terrifying moment when the plane crashed, sending a plume of black smoke into the sky. Thankfully, no one at the apartment complex or the air show was injured, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The crash took place during the Afternoon Air Show, as stated in the event schedule. However, the cause of the crash remains unknown, and officials are currently investigating the scene.
The MiG-23UB involved in the incident is a Soviet-era jet commonly known as Mikoyan-Gurevich. Registered as a fixed-wing single-engine aircraft, this specific model has two seats and was manufactured in 1981. With a versatile range of capabilities, the MiG-23UB was often employed for striking, reconnaissance, or target designation purposes. Over 1,000 units of this jet variant were produced since its inaugural flight in 1970.
Willow Run Airport, located in Ypsilanti Charter Township, hosted the air show where the crash occurred. The ill-fated plane caught fire shortly after 4 p.m. and ultimately crashed into a parking lot at the Waverly on the Lake apartments in Belleville.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far. Although the plane did strike unattended vehicles in the apartment complex’s parking lot, no debris hit anyone. The pilots were promptly recovered after their successful ejection and did not appear to have any injuries. However, they were taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure.
Multiple authorities, including Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, have released statements regarding the crash. Congresswoman Dingell expressed relief that both pilots escaped harm and emphasized the importance of thorough assessments to ensure everyone’s safety.
Detroit Metro Airport, in their statement, confirmed that the crash occurred during a MiG-23 demonstration at the Yankee Air Museum’s Thunder over Michigan air show. They also noted that no injuries were reported among the apartment complex residents or air show attendees.
Van Buren Township has provided temporary assistance for residents of the Waverly Apartment Complex that were displaced by the crash, recommending they report to the clubhouse. The Red Cross is on-site to provide support.
The FAA is currently investigating the crash to determine the cause of the incident.