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AIRSHOWS

This page was last updated on 01/02/2010

But split-second flight decisions occasionally go awry.  These videos capture what happens when an airshow performance goes wrong.

At last, we've found the source of this amazing video, with thanks to Peter Wakeman:

"Early morning anglers (were) treated to the spectacle of four T6 Harvard Aircraft from The Flying Lions Aerobatic Team water skiing across the Klipdrift Dam near Johannesburg South Africa.  Lead by Scully Levin, with wingmen Arnie Meneghelli, Stewart Lithgow and Ellis Levin, this renowned air show display team rehearse(d) a sequence for the newly launched 'Aviation Action' television program on Supersport."

"Arnie Meneghelli from Academy Brushware, owner of the aircraft, had this to say: 'What we did today I believe is a world first. It illustrates that South African air show pilots are amongst the best in the world.'  This unusual act, approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and supported by Castrol Aviation, was meticulously planned and took place under the watchful eye of divers and paramedics that were on site."

The aircraft in this video is an Alenia G222TCM of the Italian Air Force.  For more details, see: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2140758.stm  and http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1050624/L/

Yes, the pilot was fired.

"Luck was with me Saturday; I ran into a bud that agreed to video tape his 'approach' Sunday, which is what you see. This same pilot came back this year for Tyndall's 2007 Air Show and though he didn't fly between the towers this time he dipped his right wing during a low pass during the work-up; we did not see any air between his wingtip and the ground; some folks watching with me almost became hysterical (screaming). Again, the pilots there said the same thing...he is going to kill himself sooner or later and hopefully nobody else.  Is it true he was the pilot of the F-14 that was photographed 90 degrees right roll off the port side of an aircraft carrier?"

Here's the definitive answer to Tom's question:

Yes, it is the same guy. 

The son of a test pilot, Captain Dale Snodgrass retired 6/1/99 after 26 years of naval service.  Dale's Navy career highlights include: first Flight School Graduate to be selected for F-14 Tomcat training, first non-fleet experienced pilot to carrier qualify in the F-14 both day and night, 12 operational Fighter Squadron/Wing tours including command of Fighter Squadron 33 during Desert Storm and command of all the Navy's F-14s.

As Commander Fighter Wing Atlantic, he was selected as the Navy's Fighter Pilot of the Year in 1985.  As a Top Gun graduate, he was selected by Grumman Aerospace as Topcat of the Year or best F-14 Pilot in 1986.  He's the highest time F-14 Pilot with 5000 hours in the Tomcat, 7800 hours in fighters and 10,000 hours total, including 1287 carrier arrested landings.  He led 34 missions in Desert Storm as overall Strike or Fighter Lead.

He was the F-14 Tomcat Flight Demonstration Pilot 1985-1997. Dale's military decorations include: Legion of Merit (3) for superior performance in positions of great responsibility, Bronze Star for Leadership and Valor during Desert Storm, Meritorious Service Medal (2) for exceptional service in a position of senior leadership, Air Medal (3) for Valor during Desert Storm, Navy Commendation Medal (3) for Valor during Desert Storm, numerous Campaign Medals and Service Ribbons.

Dale's air show and aviation highlights: Surface Solo and Formation Aerobatic qualification in the F-14 Tomcat, F-86 Sabre, Mig 15/17, P-51 Mustang, F4-U Corsair, T-6/SNJ Texan and 8KCAB Super Decathlon; 14 Years and over 600 low level performances.

Click here to read an eye-witness' account from this accident.

For more information about this unusual crash, and the text from the NTSB report, click here.

"This is just a small part of an under the bridge fly-by video, flight by my friend: Date is July 14, 2006 (08:15 PM local time), location Solkan (Slovenia), aircraft is a  Zlin 526-F, pilot Benjamin "Benjo" Licer (over 8000 hrs of flying on airshows and stunt flights)."

"The stunt was made to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Solkan Bridge. Despite a thunderstorm at the time of the show and winds up to 40 knots, Benjo did a fantastic job.  He has also obtained a special permit from the authorities to do the flight just for that time."