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F-16 Thunderbird plane crashes at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base ahead of air show

Cameron Knight
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Authorities say a military jet apparently practicing for an Ohio air show has been involved in an accident. Sgt. Penelope Reed of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office in Dayton says a report was received around 12:30 p.m. Friday, June 23, 2017, of a jet off the end of a runway and on its top at the Dayton International Airport. She says Wright-Patterson Air Force Base dispatched a crash team and heavy rescue crew.

CINCINNATI — A fighter jet with the Air Force Thunderbirds was involved in a crash Friday at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, officials confirmed.

"Upon landing there was a mishap," according to a press release. The F-16D Fighting Falcon went off a runway and overturned Friday, injuring the pilot.

The pilot and a tactical aircraft maintainer in the plane were hospitalized, and are listed in good condition, Thunderbirds officials said.

An investigation is underway.

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Dayton was experiencing gusty winds and heavy rain Friday afternoon.

“Our first priority is taking care of our Thunderbird teammates and ensuring future safety” said Lt. Col. Jason Heard, Thunderbirds commander/leader.

The crash comes a day before the Vectren Dayton Air Show, planned for this weekend in Dayton. The Thunderbirds have not announced if the team will perform during the air show this weekend.

The United States Air Force Thunderbird demonstration team.