F-4 Phantom at sunset

[Flackvest]

I was there Saturday when the F-4 crashed in 2002. Right at the beginning of the air show. I actually witnessed the ejection of the RIO before the aircraft rolled to the right and auger into the ground. The F-4 was one of my favorites, especially Navy Phantoms. The only other time I saw a Phantom fly in person was in 1996 at Point Mugu.  The weather then was horrible and they were able to make a few low passes.

[fcriii]

Awesome footage. Sad about the outcome.

[beechc45]

Got to love afterburner!

[HomicidalClepto]

Whats that at 1:13, the engine plumes out smoke.

[pasley21]

Typical of the J-79 and one of the Phantoms biggest weakness'

[minuteman3]

And its greatest strength.

[fuckbush009]

The F-4 was the only fighter in U.S. history to serve with the Thunderbirds team and the blue angels demonstration team

[phantomphan1974]

Great video, I was there the next day and it Friday was a better day as we know. Keep this great stuff coming.

[Sreybk]

Nice shock diamonds in the burner plumes.

[cpasley21]

Are you sure it was 2002? Because this is a naval F-4S and these were retired in 1987 except for the drones QF-4S but this does not appear to be a drone ,however it is great to see this bird going through its paces

[megashegem]

Yes it was 2002. This sadly is the one that crashed the very next day at the air show. Google F-4 crash Point Mugu or see the news video of it on youtube.

[fulcrumSMT29]

This F-4S, or QF-4S as it really is, belonged to VX-30 Bloodhounds and they were the last ones to fly F-4s in the Navy, finally retiring them in 2004. They also had a QF-4N, which didn't fly much, if at all, around the same time frame that this video was taken. QF-4S was definitely a rare breed, and it's a shame they're gone.

[megashegem]

It was in 2002 at friday's practice show. I don't remember the date.

[steindaddie]

This footage is of the practice flight for the Pt Mugu Ca. airshow held the next day. This particular aircraft crashed the next day at the opening flyby for the show.

[megashegem]

From what i remember there were two Phantoms practiceing that day and not sure if it was the same one that crashed.Thats why i didn't say anything about it.

[steindaddie]

You are right - there were two. From what I saw that night this video looks like the mishap crew, Norman and Muhs - they were definitely putting the Phantom through it's paces that early evening.

[megashegem]

Well-if it was then my sympathy goes out to the families and crew members.Thanks steindaddie.

[lvkeith83]

QF-4S.... awsome!!!!!!