Plane Crash/Explosion at RDU International (Raleigh/Durham,NC)

friend

[jern]

Heads up, there has been some kind of explosion at RDU airport in Raleigh, just got a call from someone who works near the airport. Will post more in a second.

[Constitution Day]

Raleigh is not even near I-95.
It goes through Rocky Mount, which is a good 60-70 miles from the airport.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

Friday, March 26, 2004 3:25 pm EST

F-18 Crashes At RDU

BREAKING NEWS: An military jet has crashed at Raleigh-Durham International Airport near Terminal A, Federal Aviation Administration officials tell NBC 17. Full Story

 

[Constitution Day]

Ok, thanks.

I know I've passed that ANG sign many times when headed to/from RDU.

[jamz]

I-40...not I-95.

Traffic sucks anyday right at the airport...nothing new. Wondering if certain roads will be shut down.

[SirAllen]

Radio report said that the pilot was having trouble and radioed for an emergency landing near the closest airport which happened to be RDU. He came up short and ejected. The airport has been closed.

[lilylangtree]

Hope no one was hurt.

[jamz]

Actually, an Apache pilot who is now in Afghanistan is coming home in the next few weeks and gets to join our softball team again. We missed him last year.

I won't give too many details about him personally, but let's just say he does other flight duties enforcing laws in our great state.

I don't know the exact award...but he was part of a rescue operation of a Black Hawk crew in Afghanistan that warranted a visit from Gen Myers himself. Seen the pictures. It will be an honor being hit into a double-play by him when he returns. ;)

[jamz]

That's what I figured...I think I'd notice the Hornets if they were based here...hehe.

I believe there is a unit based out of Seymour Johnson AFB in Goldston that consists of Super Hornets.

[annyokie]

Hey! You can't ping me?! I have to find this on my own!?

[Darlin']

So glad to hear the pilot is safe.

[NCjim]

Outgoing flights on hold - crash near terminal A.

I-40 and US 70 traffic diverted...

I'm at work at RTP and get to go around the mess to go home...

At least it looks like the pilot ejected and no word of injuries on the ground.

[Constitution Day]

That is the North Carolina ping list.
I'll add you if you'd like.

[Servant of the 9]

I know I've passed that ANG sign many times when headed to/from RDU.

FA-18 is Navy, not Air Force.
Local news reports two FA-18s were taking off. I don't know where they were in from. The second one couldn't get off and the pilot punched out while rolling down the runway.

SO9

[jamz]

Wow...he hit near the terminal? I'm sure Aviation Road would be shut down.

And yes...traffic will suck...but that's the least important thing right now. Pilot ejecting is very good...hope he's ok.

[jamz]

You're right...F-15s based in Goldston. Part of the Camp LeJeune? or just passing through?

[Oldeconomybuyer]

RALEIGH, N.C. -- A military jet has crashed at Raleigh-Durham International Airport near Terminal A, Federal Aviation Administration officials tell NBC 17.

 

The DOT camera at Airport Blvd.
shows smoke rising near the airport.

 

There is no word on the condition of the pilot. RDU officials are expected to hold a press conference within the next 30 minutes.

 

NBC 17's Tina Tenret reports that firefighters are on the scene and attempting to extinguish flames near Terminal A. Plumes of smoke can be seen coming from the airport from several miles away.

 

The FAA says all inbound and outbound flights from Terminal A have been put on hold, but flights in and out of Terminal C are still underway.

 

Traffic on Highway 70 and Interstate 40 is being diverted by Wake County sheriff's deputies.

 

NBC 17 has a crew on the way to the airport. Check back for more details on this developing story.

 NBC17.com

[maxamillion]

This is all Bush's fault...

[76834]

FOX just aired a bit of video.
The aircraft seemed to be intact but fires were burning.

Main thing is that the pilot got out OK.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

A military plane has crashed at Raleigh Durham International Airport, catching on fire and sending a huge plume of smoke into the air visible from several miles away.

 

 

[Taipei Personality]

I believe there is a unit based out of Seymour Johnson AFB in Goldston that consists of Super Hornets.

It's F-15Es based at Goldsboro. Super Hornets are F-18 variants. Seymour Johnson is the base I retired from. I spent over 20 years on F-15s. A great plane!