The T-50B skidded and crashed into the grass verge at the side of runway 1 and caught fire. The pilot sustained light injuries
Taken on Feb. 6, 2018, the impressive photos in this post show a Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) T-50B aircraft from the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) Black Eagles display team overturned after having crashed while taking off from Changi airport’s runway 1.
As reported in a statement by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, the crash occurred at 13:24 local time when the jet “skidded and crashed into the grass verge at the side of runway 1 and caught fire. The aircraft was taking off for the flying display program at the Singapore Airshow 2018.
“Airport Emergency Service responded to the incident immediately and the fire was extinguished.
“The pilot sustained light injuries and is being treated. Runway 1 will be closed until further notice.”
The team performs with eight aircraft. KAI says the T-50B is customized to increase maneuverability, and also comes with smoke dispensers.
Apart from the T-50B and baseline T-50A, KAI also produces the FA-50 light fighter aircraft.
According to Flight Global, the type has proven popular in Southeast Asia. Thailand recently received its first two examples from an order book for 12 T-50THs, and the Philippines has received 12 FA-50s as it works to recapitalize its fast jet capability. Indonesia also operates 15 T-50As, having lost one in a crash.
In the Middle East, Iraq has received six examples from an order for 24 aircraft.
The aircraft designated as T-50A also forms the basis of Lockheed Martin’s bid for the U.S. Air Force (USAF) T-X trainer program to replace the Northrop T-38.
The T-50A is purpose-built around 5th Generation thinking. In fact, the aircraft will be able to train the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II pilots of tomorrow, as well as pilots for frontline 4th Generation aircraft. The T-50A builds upon the proven heritage of the T-50 family of aircraft with more than 150 T-50s flying today – 150,000 flight hours and counting – and more than 2,000 pilots who have trained in this aircraft.
Photo by Republic of Korea Air Force via Aviation Analysis Wing