Thunderbird crash due to technical reason - Curt Lewis

Throttle Blamed for Colorado Jet Crash Near Obama Appearance

A throttle malfunction on an Air Force Thunderbirds aerobatic demonstration jet is being blamed for the jet's crash last June near the Colorado Springs Airport where President Barack Obama was attending an event.

According to a report from Air Force investigators, the malfunction on the F-16 jet caused the pilot to accidentally turn the engine off. The problem was traced to the improper installation of a throttle control that caused the throttle to stick.

Air Force investigators cited lax maintenance practices for the June 2 crash and told the Air Force to update its maintenance manuals to prevent similar malfunctions.

The pilot ditched his jet and ejected safely moments after flying over the Air Force Academy's commencement ceremony attended by Obama. There were no injuries.