Watch: Plane catches fire mid-air at Texas air show, shocking spectators
A new incident involving an airplane has occurred in the United States, taking place during the Stars & Stripes Air Show in Laredo, Texas.
A shocking incident unfolded at the WBCA Stars & Stripes Air Show in Laredo, Texas, when a plane caught fire mid-flight, sending spectators into a frenzy. The event, held in honor of Presidents' Day, turned chaotic just before 1:00 p.m. (local time) on Sunday, 16 February, as attendees watched in horror while flames erupted from the aircraft.
Emergency landing after engine fire
According to initial reports, the aircraft’s engine ignited while still airborne, forcing the pilot to execute an emergency landing. Upon touching down, the flames subsided, but the situation remained critical. The Laredo Police Department confirmed that the pilot—identified as a man in his 70s—was rushed to Laredo Medical Center, where he is recovering.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident. Officials confirmed that only one plane was involved in the accident and that the pilot was the only person onboard the aircraft.
Air show resumes after fire is contained
Despite the alarming turn of events, authorities managed to extinguish the fire and ensure the area was safe, allowing the air show to resume at approximately 1:30 p.m. The WBCA Stars & Stripes Air Show is a major attraction, drawing large crowds from across the state to celebrate Presidents' Day, one of the eleven federal holidays in the United States.
A growing list of recent aviation incidents
This incident adds to a series of aviation mishaps in recent weeks. In a separate event, a Japan Airlines aircraft collided with the tail of a Delta plane at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Meanwhile, another aircraft in Texas caught fire just before takeoff. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in those incidents.
However, previously, two fatal accidents occurred, one in Washington and the other in Philadelphia. The first was a collision between a commercial flight and a military helicopter that claimed the lives of 67 people, while the second was the crash of an air ambulance that killed seven people and injured 22.
Original article written by Daniela Barrera, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Greg Heilman.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.