By KKTV | Posted: Thu 1:07 PM, Jun 02, 2016 | Updated: Thu 3:44 PM, Jun 02, 2016
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV)
A Thunderbird pilot was able to parachute to safety after aircraft issues caused his jet to begin going down in the Security-Widefield area Thursday afternoon.
The crash happened immediately following the annual Thunderbird performance at the Air Force Academy graduation. Witnesses say the plane crashed in a field near the Powers and Fontaine intersection, across the street from First Baptist Church-Peaceful Valley.
"My initial report from the airport was that the aircraft was on final approach to the runaway, and then they received a report of the aircraft down. I do not have specifics on what led up to that moment," said Jeff Bohn, a spokesperson with Peterson Air Force Base.
Powers is closed at Bradley.
Photos from one 11 News viewer show the pilot safely following his aircraft via parachute into the field.
"My initial report is that the pilot's condition is okay, that he's good. He's being taken in for medical observation. ... I do know that the pilot is in pretty good shape," Bohn said.
The jet, "United States Air Force" emblazoned on its side, landed right-side-up, and video from the scene shows it intact.
"In my 31 years of Air Force firefighting and public affairs, I've seen a number of aircraft crashes. This one is in very good shape; the aircraft is totally intact, it did not catch fire.
"I think it is a testament to the exceptional pilotism of our Air Force Thunderbird pilot."
President Obama stopped to speak with the pilot of the downed Thunderbird shortly after the crash. The pilot, identified as Maj. Alex Turner, was not seriously hurt, and was walking around after parachuting to safety. (Credit: The Gazette)
The pilot has been identified as Maj. Alex Turner, who is in his first year with the team. According to a bio on the Thunderbirds website, Turner has logged 1,200 flight hours as an Air Force pilot and more than 270 combat hours over Libya and Iraq.
President Obama, who was in Colorado for the Air Force Academy graduation, met briefly with Turner before boarding Air Force One.
President meets with pilot.
