USAF Thunderbirds - Takeoff & Emergency Landing at Cheyenne, Wyoming (KCYS)

On Monday, July 25th, 2011 my wife and I were watching the USAF Thunderbirds prepare for their practice demonstration in Cheyenne, Wyoming (KCYS - Jerry Olson Field). The main air show was on Wednesday, July 27th for the 2011 Cheyenne Frontier Days.

After watching the #1, #2, #3, and #4 planes take off successfully, the #5 & #6 planes turned around and got off of the runway. About a minute later the #3 plane made an emergency landing with a wingman coming in above and beside him.

I have tried searching for information related to the emergency landing but haven't found anything yet. Thankfully, the pilot and plane both returned to the airport unharmed.

Thank you United States Air Force Thunderbirds for your service!

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[wyo7011]

I was out at the college when this happened, the radio chatter sounded like he had a "fire light." I'm not a pilot nor a&p, so I'm not saying it was this or that. Just what I heard over the comms.

[eagleswingsrc]

@wyo7011 I was wondering if someone with a scanner would chime in! I didn't have mine with me, so thanks for the update.

[chschluter]

He had to do a Flame Out (landing with no engine) hence the reason for his wingman being there. This was not part of the air show and the FO was executed with text book precision! Great controllers and pilots.

[eagleswingsrc]

@chschluter Thanks for your comment! Do you have any official documentation (or a link) on that? I had heard it was a canopy pressurization issue, but was waiting for confirmation.

[chschluter]

@eagleswingsrc There is no official documentation that anyone can get there hands on outside of the people who work here. I was working the the RAPCON that day and got to see this first hand. He had an engine problem and the reason for his wingman is to talk him down to the runway/watch to make sure he flares at the right time do to the pilot not being able to see (angle).

[eagleswingsrc]

@chschluter Thanks for the information - I appreciate you sharing more about it!

[eagleswingsrc]

@PD300ify Yes, we saw the tow as well. I've tried to find out more information about the landing and it's possible that it might have been due to a pressure seal. Until I have official confirmation though, that's just speculation.

[PD300ify]

I was there to see this after the matter it he had to be towed back

[eagleswingsrc]

@biggare1980 Wow, that is very interesting, especially if it did happen to be the #3 aircraft! Hopefully everything is working fine now and they don't have any issues from here on out!

[biggare1980]

One of them had a problem here at the Dayton Air Show on the 23rd, they said over the p.a. that it kept blowing a fuse and they ended up having to switch over to a spare plane. I cant exactly remember if it was the #3 OR #4 jet, but I want to say it was the #3. Glad they made it back safe and sound:)