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Wed, Sep 21, 2016

U-2 Down In California

Two Pilots Eject, One Fatally Injured

The U.S. Air Force has confirmed that a U-2 "Dragon Lady" went down Tuesday shortly after takeoff near the Sutter Buttes mountain range. Two pilots were onboard and ejected from the aircraft.

The aircraft was assigned to 1st Reconnaissance Squadron at Beale Air Force Base, and was on a training mission. Two pilots were onboard and ejected the aircraft.  One pilot is confirmed deceased, while the other sustained injuries.

The accident occurred at about 0905 local time. Television station KOVR reports that one of the pilots was identified as a "seasoned instructor" in the airplane.

Witnesses described seeing three parachutes from the aircraft. Two of those were the pilots, while the other carried sensitive gear from the airplane. A post-impact fire sparked several grass fires in the area, according to authorities.

The identities of the pilots have not been released pending notification of relatives.

(Sources include USAF news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.af.mil

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