The MiG-23 was taking part in “Thunder over Michigan” airshow at Willow Run Airport.
Two pilots ejected from a privately owned two-seat MiG-23UB Flogger, registration N23UB/1038107, taking part in the Thunder Over Michigan airshow at Willow Run Airport, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, at 16.15LT on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023.
The pilots ejected and landed in Belleville Lake according to the media reports, while the jet crashed near the Waverly on the Lake Apartments in Belleville.
“The pilot and backseater successfully ejected from the aircraft before the crash,” Wayne County Airport Authority stated. “While it did not appear they sustained any significant injuries, first responders transported the pair to a nearby hospital as a precaution.”
Videos circulating on social media show the MiG-23UB on a left turn at low altitude before the two crew members eject.
@RyanEFox2 #Thunderovermichigan Crash… Pilots ejecting 😳 so scary pic.twitter.com/P5mNsZenzY
— Marsha Bogardus (@3Scorpios) August 13, 2023
Video of plane crashing at the Thunder Over Michigan Air Show and pilots parachuting. Hoping everyone is ok. #thunderovermichigan pic.twitter.com/RtAAjw7OVV
— Dan Phillips (@danphillips46) August 13, 2023
More video from the moment the pilots of the MiG-23 ejected into the water and the airplane hit the side of an apartment building. pic.twitter.com/zT902EVCfd
— Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) August 13, 2023
The MiG-23UB, the only private Flogger in the world, was owned by former U.S. Navy pilot Dan Flier who runs a popular Instagram page providing updates on the N23UB as well as other Floggers in the process of being restored.
The stricken aircraft had been one of the highlights of the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo at Lakeland, Florida, in April, and, more recently, the EAA’s AirVenture airshow in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
