Lawsuit Filed After MiG-23 Air Show Crash in Michigan

News Summary

Daniel Filer, owner of a MiG-23 plane, has filed a lawsuit against a passenger involved in a crash during an air show in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The incident occurred on August 13, 2023, when both pilots ejected after a malfunction led to the aircraft crashing near residential areas. Investigators are currently examining the wreckage while ensuring environmental safety. Despite the crash, no injuries were reported, but the lawsuit raises questions about passenger authority during flights.

Ypsilanti, Michigan – Daniel Filer, the owner and pilot of a 1981 MiG-23 plane, has filed a lawsuit against his passenger following an incident during an air show where both pilots ejected from the aircraft. The lawsuit, lodged in the United States District Court, claims the passenger had no authority to eject either pilot from the aircraft during the flight. This legal action arises in the wake of the MiG-23U crash that occurred on August 13, 2023, at the Thunder Over Michigan air show held at Willow Run Airport.

During the show, the aircraft encountered a malfunction during its second flyby, resulting in a crash that saw the plane collide with unoccupied cars parked outside a nearby apartment building. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the pilots or individuals on the ground following the accident. Both pilots were able to eject safely before the aircraft went down.

The wreckage from the MiG-23U was discovered less than 15 feet from the Waverly on the Lake Apartments, indicating the crash site’s proximity to residential areas. The aircraft came to rest approximately 100 yards from the busy I-94 freeway, prompting immediate concern from onlookers and authorities. Following the crash, the air show was halted, and spectators were asked to evacuate the area for safety reasons.

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators are currently on-site working to assess the circumstances surrounding the crash. Investigations are still in their preliminary stages and are anticipated to take several months before any conclusions can be firmly drawn. The investigation may be exacerbated by the fact that the aircraft is Russian-made, a detail noted by NTSB investigator John Brannen, who stated that this characteristic will complicate the situation. As part of the investigation process, expert assistance from Washington will be sought to perform examinations of the turbine engines and other components involved in the incident.

Environmental considerations are also being taken into account, with investigators from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) expected to assess the scene to ensure no environmental hazards are present due to the crash. It is projected that the removal of the wreckage for further examination off-site could take several days.

This incident is particularly notable not only due to the dramatic nature of the crash but also because air shows, such as Thunder Over Michigan, have historically enjoyed a strong safety record. The ongoing investigation by the NTSB serves to uphold this commitment to safety and accountability in aviation performances. The air show community and aviation enthusiasts will be closely monitoring the progress and findings of the investigation as more information comes to light regarding this unfortunate accident.

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STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER

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