Pilot Injured After a Mid-Air ‘Mechanical Issue’ Forces an Emergency Landing

The last airworthy Douglas A-20 light bomber went down in Laredo, Texas, after a “mechanical issue” forced its pilot to execute an emergency landing. The accident occurred during the WBCA Stars and Stripes Air Show on February 16.

The aircraft, a Douglas A-20G Havoc registered as 747HS, was owned and operated as a part of the Lewis Air Legends collection. Flight data shows that the plane had taken a low-pass over Laredo International Airport’s (LRD) runway 36L before starting a climbing left turn and spiraling downwards.

The aircraft landed approximately half a mile off the airport at approximately 12:39 pm, causing substantial damage. Its pilot, reported to be a man in his 70s, was believed to be the sole occupant. He was quickly taken to Laredo Medical Center in critical condition, and no other injuries were reported.

"The plane did have mechanical issues in the air and had to do an emergency landing,” stated Laredo Fire Department spokesperson Hernan Martinez. “The pilot did suffer injuries, facial and head, and he is going to be flown out to San Antonio by air. We have all units standing by for the protection of the pilots, and he will be taken to the hospital for further evaluation.”

The Laredo Police Department noted that the aircraft was in flames, pointing at a potential engine fire. Officers limited traffic around the airport to contain the fire, shutting down Jacaman and Bartlett Roads and encouraging the public to avoid the area.

The Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association confirmed that the accident would not shut down the air show. The event picked back up at 1:30 pm, just over an hour after the aircraft touched down.

The Douglas A-20 was designed as an attack, light bomber, and night fighter to serve the Army Air Corps in World War II. Over 7,000 were built, though only a handful remained intact and it was believed that only one was still airworthy. The plane previously made an appearance at EAA AirVenture in 2017. After the recent crash, the collection may be grounded once and for all.

FMI: https://lewisairlegends.com/a20-havoc