Pilot Ejected

A Venezuelan Air Force Mirage went down and exploded after impact, Friday, just a few moments after the pilot detected an engine flameout while the aircraft maneuvering at low altitude. The pilot, Capt. Jesus Maria Bevilaqua, 35, ejected and was injured in the accident.

It happened near the El Libertador Air Base, about 60 miles from the capital, Caracas. The aircraft impacted the ground in an uninhabited area near the security perimeter of the air base. There was a fire, which was doused by firefighters from the base.

Capt. Bevilaqua was reportedly injured during the ejection. He reportedly landed in a grove of small trees and suffered internal injuries. He was rescued by a Super Puma helicopter, which took him to the Maracay Military Hospital few miles away. After undergoing surgery, he was said to be in stable condition.

The fighter aircraft belonged to the Venezuelan Air Force "Grupo Aereo de Caza" No. 11, based at El Libertador. Authorities said it was returning from the Barquisimeto Air Base 300 miles to the west, in a unspecified mission.

The wreckage was recovered and taken to a hangar inside the base, where it will be studied by the Military Aircraft Accident Investigation Board.

FMI: www.rescate.com