samedi 11 juin 2016

The future of the Patrouille Suisse in question after a crash in the Netherlands Airshow












Swiss Air Force - Patrouille Suisse patch.

June 11, 2016

This crash in the Netherlands is the first for the Patrouille Suisse in 52 years of existence


Image above: The F-5E Tiger fighter used by the Patrouille Suisse seen from different angles in this image taken during an aerial acrobatics.

The Patrouille Suisse experienced this Thursday, June 9 2016 a first in the Netherlands, where two of its planes were affected, causing the crash of one of them. It was indeed the first accident of its kind in 52 years of existence.

The pilot, very experienced with 1250 hours of flight, was able to eject and only suffers from scratches after landing in a greenhouse with tomatoes. The second fighter, although damaged, was able to rejoins the base and land safely.


Image above: The second F5 was able to land despite the right wing ripped off upon impact, image taken by a spectator of the air show (mentioned in the credits below).

But this accident calls into question the existence of the Patrouille Suisse to politicians, or in any case, air shows. As some politicians claim that such events made unnecessary risk to pilots and spectators.

Swiss F-5 fighter jet crashed near Leeuwarden Air Base in the Netherlands

Other politicians (generally opposite to those mentioned above) admit that these shows involve risk, but they at least allow pilots to show their expertise and equipment.

Aldo Schellenberg, head of the Swiss Air Force, however, recalled at a press conference that the airline presentations have never held above the audience. And it has not remove from service the F5 Tiger, a 40 year old machine.

 Patrouille Suisse in the skies over Toggenburg

There is indeed no sign of mechanical failure, is he justified. And the Patrol will continue to fly in the future on this unit. The shelved aircraft is expected in 2018 at the earliest.

Get well soon to the pilot and long life to the Patrouille Suisse! In hope that our politicians and the Swiss people will soon give you the opportunity to fly in a new aircraft and again thank you for making us dream with your fabulous shows.

One of your biggest fan, Roland Berga, Orbiter.ch Aerospace fonder and owner.

Related articles:

Cracks in the Swiss Air Force F-5E Tiger
http://orbiterchspacenews.blogspot.ch/2015/01/cracks-in-swiss-air-force-f-5e-tiger.html

It is not! The Gripen aircraft will not fly in Switzerland
http://orbiterchspacenews.blogspot.ch/2014/05/it-is-not-gripen-aircraft-will-not-fly.html

New fighter aircraft for the Swiss Air Force, the people will decide on May 18
http://orbiterchspacenews.blogspot.ch/2014/04/new-fighter-aircraft-for-swiss-air.html

The Patrouille Suisse will continue to exist
http://orbiterchspacenews.blogspot.ch/2013/02/the-patrouille-suisse-will-continue-to.html

Patrouille Suisse: a boss flies to the rescue
http://orbiterchspacenews.blogspot.ch/2013/02/patrouille-suisse-boss-flies-to-rescue.html

Swiss Air Force - The Gripen ongoing saga ...
http://orbiterchspacenews.blogspot.ch/2013/02/swiss-air-force-gripen-saga-continues.html

Choice of a new fighter aircraft of the Swiss Air Force: Description and comparison
http://orbiterchspacenews.blogspot.ch/2013/01/choice-of-new-fighter-aircraft-of-swiss.html

Images, Text, Credits: Swiss Air Force/Airlive/Rob Venmans/Twitter/Orbiter.ch Aerospace/Roland Berga.

Best regards, Orbiter.ch