#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 F16C with the codename of "Benji 53". As the package was coming off of station (egress), his F16 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 IraqSaudi ArabiaKuwait 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 Albatin Air Base (at approximate coordinates 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 F16 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 UH60 Blackhawks and 1 MH53J Pave Low, along with F15E's providing Close Air Support), located his position roughly 2 hours later. The F15E's were called in to engage an approaching Iraqi truck with cluster bombs during the extraction.

During debrief, it was realized that an SA7 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.

If you like our contents please SUBSCRIBE to our channel
   / @flight_follower  

All videos are licensed under Creative Commons or used under YT quidelines of 'Fair Use'i do not own or claim any video. credits goes to respective owners. if you have your videos used and want to make a change email me. so that we can solve the issue.Our email
[email protected]

#Real atc
#real atc communications
#emergency
#atc audio
#controller
#History
#war
#desert storm
#operation desert storm
#gulf war
#iraqf16