(Cockpit Recordings) F-16 gets hit by SAM..Pilot Ejects! (goosebumps guaranteed)

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  • Опубликовано: 1 май 2024
  • #Desertstorm #gulfwar #missiles #F16
    On February 17th, 1991, Captain Scott "Spike" Thomas, with the 17th TFS, 363rd TFW, temporarily based at King Khalid Military City, was flying a night interdiction mission in his F-16C with the codename of "Benji 53". As the package was coming off of station (egress), his F-16 experience engine problems. Early reports suggested he had been hit by a Surface to Air Missile (SAM), but that has not been confirmed.
    Thomas's wingman, 1st Lt Eric "Neck" Dodson, came to his aid and helped him nurse his plane closer to the Iraq-Saudi Arabia-Kuwait border, nearly 60 miles south of their position. Dodson assumed control of most radio communications between AWACs (call sign "Bulldog"), leaving Thomas free to fly his injured plane. Captain Thomas was attempting to make an emergency landing at Hafr Al-batin Air Base (at approximate co-ordinates 27°54′03″N, 045°31′41″E)
    With less than 40 miles to go to the border, and his plane leaking what appeared to be fuel, Thomas and his wingman realize his F-16 beginning to develop a catastrophic engine fire. With a valiant effort to get as close as he could, Thomas finally decides to eject over enemy territory.
    His radio contact was spotty once he was on the ground, but Search and Rescue helicopters (a package of 2 UH-60 Blackhawks and 1 MH-53J Pave Low, along with F-15E's providing Close Air Support), located his position roughly 2 hours later. The F-15E's were called in to engage an approaching Iraqi truck with cluster bombs during the extraction.
    During debrief, it was realized that an SA-7 Surface to Air Missile (SAM) had been shot at the rescue helicopter in which Thomas was riding, but the missile was out of range and landed short. It was also learned that Thomas had less than 1 hour of freedom, as there were Iraqi troops within 2 miles of him in 2 different directions.
    • Video
    Air traffic control audio from LiveATC.net
    The positions of the aircraft may not be 100% accurate. Only involved aircraft are shown. Animations are based on air traffic control communications and data from flight tracking services.
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Комментарии • 326

  • @mangravy2000
    @mangravy2000 16 дней назад +72

    Great video. Would like to see where the enemy lines were, airbase he was trying to get to, etc.

    • @Flight_Follower
      @Flight_Follower  16 дней назад +6

      Thank you sir. Well noted

    • @The-Dom
      @The-Dom 4 дня назад +1

      They're over the Iraqi deserts just 60km NW of the Kuwait border, about 200km north of the Saudi airbase Hafar Al Batin (where they were heading). Bagdad is 450km NW, but they're probably well within 100km of air defenses to the north.

    • @gertpacu3926
      @gertpacu3926 4 дня назад +2

      Why show him in an F-15? The other plan Benji31 looks like an F-35.

  • @trustydiamond
    @trustydiamond 6 дней назад +62

    No Top Gun BS, just sober professionalism. Very nice

  • @TomatoWithARifle
    @TomatoWithARifle 18 дней назад +144

    you can tell the wingman SOLID, really spoke up for the younger guy when he couldnt.

  • @michelm.6033
    @michelm.6033 20 дней назад +228

    I salute Spike, my former commander. Never has there been a better pilot, or commander. Cheers for the rescue team.

    • @Flight_Follower
      @Flight_Follower  20 дней назад +9

      Brave man

    • @TheRealKalEll
      @TheRealKalEll 17 дней назад +5

      ​@@Flight_Follower5 by 5 on that remark, Sir & God bless our brave servicemen & women 🇺🇸 ❤

    • @-108-
      @-108- 16 дней назад +4

      Any word on if Spike is still with us, and, if so, what he's up to these days?

    • @-108-
      @-108- 16 дней назад +3

      @@michelm.6033 Oh, come on... Nothing wrong with sharing his tax ID #, and maybe some private banking info! (kidding!)
      Thanks for the follow-up.

    • @johnkolinoff8591
      @johnkolinoff8591 16 дней назад +3

      Thank you for your service. 🇺🇸

  • @user-pf5by4sh9s
    @user-pf5by4sh9s 7 дней назад +39

    Just listening to the conversation between these pilots makes the hair stand on my arms. These men are so intelligent and courageous and deserve respect. You can hear and feel the brotherhood going on.

  • @tomp8094
    @tomp8094 4 дня назад +17

    Our military has the best trained pilots in the world.

    • @wwaynemcg
      @wwaynemcg 4 дня назад +3

      Flying the best aircraft in the world.

  • @gabrieljohannson6777
    @gabrieljohannson6777 18 дней назад +76

    I could feel the tension. Great to know the pilot was rescued. Awesome wrk by the wingman who showed true leadership.

  • @bobclavile5653
    @bobclavile5653 18 дней назад +93

    That is what all of us call "THE RIGHT STUFF!" I salute them all. Retired Navy 1964-95. OLD but still kickin.

    • @shawntailor5485
      @shawntailor5485 16 дней назад +6

      Trying to find folks that knew sr. Rear Chief Remington . I'd like to find stories for his grandson .

  • @XIStance-xd8nh
    @XIStance-xd8nh 16 дней назад +30

    “Bummer dudes”
    I felt that

  • @MarkvanHeusden-iw7bi
    @MarkvanHeusden-iw7bi 15 дней назад +16

    How incredibly calm they are in such a tense moment ! These guys are proper

  • @SHERMA.
    @SHERMA. 17 дней назад +48

    1:27 gave me the goosebumps
    that tiny little bit of hope he clings onto knowing theres a chance
    and immediately relays that to his wingman whos totally and 100% confidently alongside him both physically and now mentally

  • @user-om5ju6ud7g
    @user-om5ju6ud7g 17 дней назад +32

    Thoroughly in awe of these heroes. My heart rate is so high. God bless all of you, young and old. All my love and respect. 🫡 ❤

  • @FlyingAceAV8B
    @FlyingAceAV8B 3 дня назад +5

    One of the best videos on YT right here. I got to live the dream and was fortunate enough to never be tested like this but man, do I miss that life when I see this stuff.

  • @love2fly558
    @love2fly558 20 дней назад +82

    Nice! The true meaning of “no man left behind”. Nice call on mentioning the choppers. Great call on not sqwacking emergency. God bless all those who serve.

    • @guaporeturns9472
      @guaporeturns9472 18 дней назад +6

      so cringe when people say "god bless" this and "god bless” that.

    • @zachj6601
      @zachj6601 18 дней назад

      @@guaporeturns9472God Bless you.

    • @jsh4401
      @jsh4401 18 дней назад +17

      @@guaporeturns9472 sounds like you have a personal quarrel with God. May God bless you with eyes to see and a warmer open heart. May God bless all of those who serve!

    • @guaporeturns9472
      @guaporeturns9472 18 дней назад +3

      @@jsh4401 God is a manmade pacifier , nothing more. No quarrel to be had.
      And I feel so sad for the kids that join the military with the most honorable intentions and end up doing the bidding of our dirty , corrupt country in far away lands.

    • @jsh4401
      @jsh4401 17 дней назад +6

      @@guaporeturns9472 Still, may God bless those who serve and have already served.

  • @JohnChuprun
    @JohnChuprun 20 дней назад +47

    That's some scary stuff. I was amazed they mobilized helicopters to come get him so quickly.

    • @FallenPhoenix86
      @FallenPhoenix86 18 дней назад +7

      Active warzone, they would have likely been sitting on alert waiting for something like this.

    • @scp8412
      @scp8412 18 дней назад +21

      Im amazed they where not already in the air and the wingman had to request it.
      Ops staff was sleeping

    • @mikewatkins7488
      @mikewatkins7488 17 дней назад

      @@scp8412 HUA

    • @zachansen8293
      @zachansen8293 17 дней назад +11

      really? I'm surprised it took them so long. "Do you want helicopters?" "What do you mean do I want helicopters? YES"

    • @zo3788
      @zo3788 15 дней назад +1

      God bless each and every hero that was truly heart pounding stuff right there!!! The calm & professionalism in their voices blew my mind, all he wanted to know was when the fire started so he could bail, an the wingman...jus solid all the way around!!!

  • @michaelvoellinger352
    @michaelvoellinger352 46 минут назад

    Incredible professionalism in the face of disaster. We are so proud of our military and your courage. All I can say is, Thank you !

  • @DR-rf3ku
    @DR-rf3ku 4 дня назад +1

    Glad he is ok and safe!!!! What a supportive co-pilot, respect!

  • @davidlarson8258
    @davidlarson8258 15 дней назад +7

    Spike was always a stud. Football player at the Academy. Cover of Sports Illustrated. I think he was actually draft by the NFL. Cool under pressure. I think there’s a picture of him with President Bush. Rumor is that he told him something like, “ we both have one more takeoff than landing, Mr President”

  • @petewilson2314
    @petewilson2314 15 дней назад +7

    Well trained professionals, glad they're on my side!

  • @donk14
    @donk14 16 дней назад +9

    Thank you for your service

  • @niazkhel1839
    @niazkhel1839 9 дней назад +6

    Makes me want to watch TopGun again ….. Never leave your wingman Mavrick

  • @lowandslow3939
    @lowandslow3939 20 дней назад +20

    Wow. That was tense.

  • @Skank_and_Gutterboy
    @Skank_and_Gutterboy 15 дней назад +5

    He was not hit by a SAM, he was having engine problems (he was getting good RPM from his engine but it just wasn't putting out thrust like it should, and it only got worse). This incident is well-published, I read an account of US Navy, USAF, and RAF ejections. There's also a published magazine article on what happened.

  • @TheRealKalEll
    @TheRealKalEll 17 дней назад +11

    🇺🇸 ❤ God bless our brave servicemen and women and thank Q for your service we are forever in your debt.❤ 🇺🇸

  • @MRantzWI
    @MRantzWI 10 дней назад +2

    Wow. Intense. Thank you so much for everyone's service to our nation !!

  • @DeltaVxx
    @DeltaVxx 16 дней назад +8

    “bummer dude”

  • @jclc4201
    @jclc4201 4 дня назад

    Damn that 6mins of full attention and concentration. Thank you for your service!

  • @relevantinformation6655
    @relevantinformation6655 17 дней назад +2

    Wow, absolutely heroic. Just..wow.👍

  • @giggity8249
    @giggity8249 14 дней назад +7

    "Are yoy gonna need a chopper?"
    ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? THAT WAS ALL HEARD. WTH MAKES THEM THINK IT WASNT NEEDED ALREADY!!??

    • @scp8412
      @scp8412 14 дней назад +2

      Totally, unacceptable for ops to not react on their own.

  • @AquaFX
    @AquaFX 20 дней назад +25

    4:04 yea... no, thanks.

    • @RussellTurman
      @RussellTurman 16 дней назад +1

      Why do they not want to do that?

    • @AquaFX
      @AquaFX 16 дней назад +8

      ​@@RussellTurman Because they would show up on the enemy's radar. They were flying over enemy territory (Iraq). Now, one could make the assumption that they (Iraq) wouldn't respond to the emergency by providing them with a safe runway to land but rather with a ground to air missile straight to their face.

  • @njfinests
    @njfinests 16 часов назад

    Wow. Hopefully you made it home safe buddy. God Bless!!!!

  • @salforlad64
    @salforlad64 3 дня назад

    Brilliant togetherness and team work.

  • @ltdees2362
    @ltdees2362 8 дней назад +2

    .. intense...it's what wingmen do...these jocks are tight, band of brothers .. stay till you get'm out 💖

  • @f1-racecar-peek398
    @f1-racecar-peek398 17 дней назад +13

    UKN1 is actually BENJI 51 and the wingman of BENJI 53 is BENJI 54, not BENJI 31. They're a flight of four, BENJI 51 through 54. The very first radio call by UKN1 is actually BENJI 51 calling BENJI 53 ("BENJI 3, 1 Victor"). At 03:39, BENJI 51 is calling BENJI 54 ("BENJI 4, 1").

  • @terryfonz4603
    @terryfonz4603 17 дней назад +4

    I was at Hafr Al Batin in Feb 91 in that area.

  • @scottgreenler4047
    @scottgreenler4047 16 дней назад +4

    The rescue chopper boys are all living heros aforce trains at kalispel mountain and is the best of the best that go on for air and sea cimbat survival and rescue well done boyz

  • @18BIG78
    @18BIG78 6 дней назад +3

    I'm retired USAF AMEN SO THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE ❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏💯💯🌵🤠

  • @richardpark3054
    @richardpark3054 5 дней назад +2

    I can't believe that, while in a marginal thrust situation, Benji 53 was recommended to extend flaps for increased lift! Yes, flaps will improve lift but the cost is increased drag and the plane will not go further, it will go less far. I doubt there's any airplane that will go farther with flaps down vs flaps up.

  • @OziBlokeTimG
    @OziBlokeTimG 2 дня назад +1

    Good stuff guys, nice work.

  • @nimashafiee6845
    @nimashafiee6845 20 дней назад +22

    Imagine havin a bro like that

    • @Flight_Follower
      @Flight_Follower  14 дней назад +2

      U don’t need anything if u have a bro like this 😇

  • @dougcronkhite2113
    @dougcronkhite2113 4 дня назад

    Professionalism in action. Nice job from both pilots.

  • @dougjamesvandals
    @dougjamesvandals 4 дня назад

    I hope pilot was ok! Shows us how dangerous it can be I salute all service members! Thank you!

  • @cshamm
    @cshamm День назад +1

    Amazing video... our very best right here.

  • @Algorerhythm
    @Algorerhythm 14 дней назад

    Remarkable jet, engine was on fire fuel leaking everywhere and yet it stayed together long enough to let the pilot eject safely.

  • @lostagain2992
    @lostagain2992 17 дней назад +1

    Outstanding! ❤

  • @tfdtfdtfd
    @tfdtfdtfd 15 дней назад

    BEN 31 amazing composure, situational awareness, and leadership

  • @yellowdogadventures
    @yellowdogadventures 18 дней назад +9

    I worked on these planes and with these pilot at Shaw just prior to this deployment

    • @Flight_Follower
      @Flight_Follower  17 дней назад +4

      Good to know sir. Good part is the pilot was rescued

    • @williamjenkins5562
      @williamjenkins5562 17 дней назад +2

      I remember this. We were at KKMC at the time.

  • @paulrodolf5730
    @paulrodolf5730 13 дней назад +2

    Both dudes were classmates of mine at USAFA and Thomas was a teammate as well. First rate both of them. Really cool picture in Air Force magazine of George Bush with his arms around the shoulders of both aviators.

  • @rickblaster-xu5ie
    @rickblaster-xu5ie 16 дней назад +2

    dont they have PTT? or is it full duplex all the time?

  • @lisasteimer5860
    @lisasteimer5860 День назад

    Thank you to the brave who fight for us everyday.

  • @alexgolovchenko3791
    @alexgolovchenko3791 20 дней назад +10

    Always Loyal, Always Faithful!😎

  • @kmbmakz3
    @kmbmakz3 17 дней назад +1

    Frickin STUDS

  • @davejase3399
    @davejase3399 День назад

    Classic example of USAF badassery. "OK, you're on fire" and boom... over enemy territory. Bless our men and women that swore the Oath.

  • @davidmcneil2296
    @davidmcneil2296 16 дней назад

    4:18 whenever benji referred to bulldog if calling out an emergency was a good idea, considering they were in enemy territory (that’s all I can think of), that must have been such a surreal moment. You know you’re not going to make it to the border and you are overhead enemy troops and if you call mayday or emergency then that will alert the enemy to scramble their resources to try and kill this “invAder”

  • @davidmcneil2296
    @davidmcneil2296 16 дней назад

    4:18 whenever benji referred to bulldog if calling out an emergency was a good idea, considering they were in enemy territory (that’s all I can think of), that must have been such a surreal moment. You know you’re not going to make it to the border and you are overhead enemy troops and if you call mayday or emergency then that will alert the enemy to scramble their resources to try and kill the “invAder”. That must have been such a scary and unreal moment that he had to of been going through. Wondered how or where he hid or what tactics he used to stay hidden while he awaited transport. I am seriously just picturing a “Behind Enemy Lines” situation that probably happened to Ben 53(Homer) 3:28 and then when Ben 31 said that the area was clear with threats. Did he mean that if their man was captured that they are clear with what is going to happen? I can’t imagine what he was experiencing.

  • @altf2o
    @altf2o 3 дня назад

    Our Service Members are all fucking amazing! Awesome to learn everyone was ok.

  • @TToilets
    @TToilets 6 дней назад +1

    So why weren't the choppers scrambled before asking ?????? And why did they need to ask someone to look for threats????????

  • @adventure002006
    @adventure002006 16 дней назад +1

    Cool courage❤

  • @TheAlaska07
    @TheAlaska07 18 дней назад +2

    Bad ass wingman

  • @Youdontride94
    @Youdontride94 15 дней назад +2

    He said “bummer” 🤣 love military guys gotta be humorous lol

  • @donQpublic
    @donQpublic 15 дней назад +1

    “Doug, i I’m not gonna make it…
    CHAPPY!!!!”

  • @jamesberlo4298
    @jamesberlo4298 6 дней назад +1

    He bailed cause of Fire? I'd take my chances and go as far as I could rather than risk capture, he handled the stress good!

  • @rudiklein
    @rudiklein 20 дней назад +14

    I'm guessing his titanium balls were not helping to stay up.

  • @jherc135
    @jherc135 17 дней назад +1

    God bless the military!!!!

  • @homevideowatcher78
    @homevideowatcher78 5 дней назад

    wow...thats something that he will never forget, amazing stuff, amazing how those radios are so clear and highly trained guys, thank God he made it safely..Hollywood Movie, based on similar events.Benji jumps into enemy territory, captured and tortured, escapes and kills enemy president who is an expert hand to hand combat, on his way out of enemy territory he is rescued by American helicopters, only to find out they are a rogue unit of a Commander who wants to overthrow the American government..Benji 2 coming soon

  • @biggabenne
    @biggabenne 2 дня назад +1

    Goosebumps confirmed

  • @robertjeter5984
    @robertjeter5984 17 дней назад +1

    All in a days work for our military 🙌

  • @satoursatour8527
    @satoursatour8527 14 дней назад +1

    Whenever a plane is far from its home land 13000 klm that means it is an enemy plane and will be targeted with all kinds of sam...stay home and stay safe.

  • @Mrclean431
    @Mrclean431 5 часов назад

    Tho not alone.
    Also really alone.
    All at the same time.
    God bless the pilot n god bless the usa.

  • @scottgreenler4047
    @scottgreenler4047 16 дней назад +2

    As an old a4 driver these are two well trained pros god watch iver them theirs and their squadron f 16 has best ejection system better than old nes8s etc

  • @triggerfish6619
    @triggerfish6619 15 дней назад

    Awesome patriotic American studs. 🙏✌️♥️🇺🇸

  • @THE-X-Force
    @THE-X-Force 14 дней назад

    Intense.

  • @tomholmes5502
    @tomholmes5502 16 дней назад +1

    By the way, he wasn’t hit by a Sam. It was just engine failure.

  • @kevindavis8175
    @kevindavis8175 18 дней назад +2

    I didn’t know Live ATC was around back in 1991.

    • @Flight_Follower
      @Flight_Follower  18 дней назад +1

      Its uploaded on their website
      Audio source is liveatc

  • @aardvaark11
    @aardvaark11 16 дней назад +1

    All attention is on BEN53. As opposed to a Russian Su-25 over Ukraine. That's the difference guys.

  • @jimfalls6583
    @jimfalls6583 16 дней назад +2

    If someone can answer - they had the exact coordinates of where he ejected, and I'm assuming the pilot had a homing beacon on him - why did it take two hours to find him? thanks

  • @alciaran
    @alciaran 13 дней назад

    My ship is almost finished as well so I know in due time I must leave it in order to live eternally. I think God with this video showed it

  • @nobodyspecial7185
    @nobodyspecial7185 16 дней назад +1

    I am unaware of any airbase at Hafir Al Batin. Fairly sure they are referring to the airfield 2 miles east at Al Quesuma where I was at with my army aviation battalion

    • @jessicaregina1956
      @jessicaregina1956 16 дней назад

      This was 91, you were serving at the time?

    • @nobodyspecial7185
      @nobodyspecial7185 16 дней назад

      @@jessicaregina1956 yes. I do remember an F-16 having to divert there once the two are close together with nothing but desert out there so they just probably assume it’s part of that town.

  • @Browhiskey71766
    @Browhiskey71766 17 дней назад

    And how was thomas?

  • @captainbligh3894
    @captainbligh3894 3 дня назад +1

    Every time I listen to these , the single seat pilot is thinking way ahead of the AWACS team, ie “ do you want choppers . “ or “ ok I will check local threats for you “ , I mean , how dull are these blokes ??

  • @REVNUMANEWBERN
    @REVNUMANEWBERN 6 дней назад

    SALUTE !

  • @kemop06
    @kemop06 4 дня назад

    Damn

  • @1thechosenjuan1
    @1thechosenjuan1 2 дня назад

    So it took 2 hours to retrieve him?

  • @TheIvanMilky
    @TheIvanMilky 2 дня назад +1

    Great wingman

  • @rys3486
    @rys3486 15 часов назад

    What all that fuss is about? The wingman has a joyride, nobody is shooting at them, nobody is chasing them. The damaged aircraft is stable, the ejection should be as in training. Of course they are cool as supposed to - hysterics are not accepted to the airforce. The only potential danger may be the enemy on the ground, but there will be 3 fighting copters and at least one F-16 to protect. Landing the damaged aircraft would be more dangerous for the pilot.

  • @AlexRian_
    @AlexRian_ 15 дней назад +1

    LiveATC has recordings from 1991??

    • @Flight_Follower
      @Flight_Follower  15 дней назад

      This recording is available in liveAtc. Just search 1991 🙂

  • @olddog103
    @olddog103 6 дней назад

    OLD FORMER NAVY SAR, HOUSE BOUND NOW, THIS MAKES MY MY BP RISE,

  • @marktucker208
    @marktucker208 4 дня назад

    No way is this real. It’s 1991 yet the audio is crystal clear. Also the audio wouldn’t be streamed online for download

  • @user-jd6iv7ki2g
    @user-jd6iv7ki2g 3 дня назад +1

    Best thing you can have in combat is your battle buddy. That took me back. Great job gentlemen. 🫡

  • @dc-vw4qm
    @dc-vw4qm 4 дня назад +1

    2:50 Do I want choppers|?@ @?@?@?@? DUDE

  • @trumanhw
    @trumanhw 5 часов назад

    Damn. Couldn't he shut his engine down, try to extinguish the fire and use the APU while trading altitude for speed to get even another 5-7 miles..? Every mile counts obviously ... as does every minute extra for SAR.

  • @bhawkpilot4714
    @bhawkpilot4714 16 дней назад

    Guys named Scott should not be allowed to fly 16s. A close friend of mine named Scott would laugh hard at this and second it.

  • @goingoutonmyshield2811
    @goingoutonmyshield2811 10 часов назад

    "Wars Hell"
    ~Everybody

  • @phoenixkarlaz
    @phoenixkarlaz 16 дней назад +1

    Why are the showing Luke AFB 56 fw planes? Worst wing ever.

  • @therealdeal6846
    @therealdeal6846 9 дней назад +1

    Solid piece of airman ship and great Ground to air communication!!!..Team work!!🙏

  • @bluetickfreddy101
    @bluetickfreddy101 14 дней назад +1

    Talk
    To
    Me
    Goose

  • @duartesimoes508
    @duartesimoes508 День назад +1

    Read the book _Hornets over Kuwait_ by "Guiness" Jay A. Stout., an USMC pilot. A very interesting, unassuming book with very much of this same atmosphere. The fear of flying over enemy territory was freely admitted by all.

  • @jonnyueland7790
    @jonnyueland7790 16 дней назад

    Forgot to breathe for a long time!

  • @msinanozeren6733
    @msinanozeren6733 4 дня назад +1

    63 million dollars down the drain 🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • @garbennett4758
    @garbennett4758 16 дней назад +1

    Did he make it?