A Brazilian Air Force (FAB) pilot has miraculously survived after his Northrop F-5 fighter jet crashed in a fiery explosion during a training exercise.
The jet experienced a technical failure while flying over Parnamirim, near Natal City in northeastern Brazil, on the afternoon of October 22.
The pilot managed to eject moments before the plane plummeted to the ground, exploding into a massive fireball and sending thick black smoke into the sky.
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Despite the dramatic crash, he steered the jet away from populated areas, crash-landing in a wooded region close to several condominiums.
Eyewitnesses described the terrifying scene, with one local saying, “I noticed fire coming from the plane in mid-air before it crashed into the woods, sending a cloud of smoke up.”
The resulting explosion ignited a fire that required two fire brigade teams to contain it, preventing it from spreading to nearby areas.
Fortunately, the pilot only suffered a dislocated shoulder and was treated at Hospital Monsenhor Walfredo Gurgel in Natal before being released.
The accident occurred as the Brazilian Air Force was preparing for the Cruzeiro do Sul Exercise (CRUZEX), a multinational military event that will take place from November 3 to 15.
This year’s exercise will feature 16 countries, more than 2,000 military personnel, and around 100 aircraft.
According to the CRUZEX website, missions will include ground attack, air superiority, escorting, and in-flight refueling.
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SOURCE: Pilot miraculously survives after fighter jet crashes in huge fireball
