Missile Rail Departs Formation

The US Air Force Thunderbirds cut their performance short at the Chicago Air and Water Show on Saturday after what appeared to be the left wingtip missile rail of a jet went AWOL at show center. The aircraft reportedly made at least one additional pass before returning to the Gary/Chicago Airport.

"Each thing that is on that jet is highly technical ... we have about 70 maintainers out here and they're going to do their best to fix that jet and figure out what happened today," said Thunderbirds spokeswoman Captain Angela Johnson to the AP.

The part separated early during the Thunderbirds' performance. The Thunderbirds had not yet determined whether they'd be performing Sunday.

An Aero-News reader on the scene reported that at least six small U.S. Coast Guard, Chicago Police, and Lifeguard boats responded to search the waters within 100 yards of the North Avenue Beach.

Over one million people were expected to attend the show each day. The show will go on tomorrow with the US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team and other performers. In any case, the crowds will see a variety of top flying acts, including the Aeroshell Team, the Red Baron Pizza Squadron, and Sean Tucker.

The crowd will also be treated to a large number of military demonstrations and passes. An F-22 Raptor will even make a brief appearance before returning to Langley.

FMI: www.af.mil, www.cityofchicago.org/specialevents