Jet Crash Death Valley NP

[RedRoxx44]

Unfortunate to say the least loss of pilot and some onlookers apparently slightly injured by debris. Crash occurred in Rainbow also known as Star Wars canyon beneath an overlook, a common flight area for training. I've watched quite a few jets fly by there.

Here is a link for an incredible Sidewinder flight taking some of that same path. Jedi transition canyon, to the flats then thru Star Wars, that takes place about 6-10 min mark. However whole thing is visually beautiful. This is NOT this involved plane.
[ youtube video ]

[Hansenaz]

wow that's some video...dangerous stuff but what are the odds that a crash would injure bystanders in that big desert area?

I have a clear memory from 40 yrs ago, standing along a road in that area while hitchhiking to DV, and noticing a couple fighter jets across the valley. They turned and came straight over my head....I think it knocked me down. Sure scared the hell out of me.

[RedRoxx44]

[ youtube video ]

Other video of fly by's in Star Wars and shows where some of the photographers stand in the general area of the crash.

[azbackpackr]

@Reddroxx
Very sorry to hear about the loss of the pilot. But those are some cool videos. I plan to go to DV for the first time, this coming winter, so will be sure to check that out if it's happening.

[CannondaleKid]

Here's an interesting insight by an ex-USAF pilot into what the Air Force will be taking into account during the investigation of this incident:
[ youtube video ]
(Note at 6:53 into the video Juan shows a photo of himself wearing a G-suit it is from when he was a young pup some 30 years ago)

[RedRoxx44]

Thank you for finding and posting that.