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In a high-risk maneuver, Capt. Harry McMahon saved a $40 million aircraft after a critical engine failure on a training flight in South Korea. The pilot's courage earned him the prestigious Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy, reinforcing the value of training in the U.S. Air Force.
A routine flight turned into a stressful operation for Captain Harry “Butcher” McMahon, a pilot in the United States Air Force (USAF).
During a training mission in South Korea, he experienced a critical failure and had to perform one of the riskiest maneuvers of his career to save a $40 million aircraft. But what really happened on board the F-16 that day? The details are astonishing.
With his courage and skill, McMahon was able to avert the worst, ensuring the safety of the mission and the expensive military equipment.
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He was recently honored with the prestigious Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy, one of the USAF's highest awards in recognition of flight safety.
The ceremony took place at the Pentagon, where military leaders celebrated the captain's skill and control, who, by acting quickly in an extremely difficult situation, preserved one of the most advanced aircraft in the US arsenal.
Emergency in mid-flight
According to the portal Military Society, on July 28, 2023, McMahon was on an advanced combat training mission in South Korea when his F-16 suffered a critical engine failure.
This situation left the pilot without propulsion and with few options other than performing a “flameout landing,” a landing without engine power.
According to USAF reports, McMahon quickly diverted to Cheongju Air Base, a strategic and safe location for emergency situations.
However, as it approached for landing, a new complication arose: two South Korean F-35 fighters were authorized to take off in the opposite direction, creating an air traffic conflict situation at a time of risk.
Despite the pressure and imminent danger, McMahon managed to maneuver his aircraft with precision, avoiding a collision.
Skill and training in action
According to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General David Allvin, Captain McMahon exemplified the true spirit of an American aviator by demonstrating an exceptional ability to maintain control of the situation.
“His calmness under pressure and ability to make quick decisions were essential in saving the F-16 and averting a tragedy,” Allvin said during the awards ceremony.
McMahon's precision and calm allowed him to land safely, as South Korean fighter jets circled his landing path.
The award, created in honor of Lt. Koren Kolligian Jr., is presented annually to aircrew members who demonstrate exceptional skills in emergency situations.
Since 1955, the Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy has recognized the bravery of pilots who, by following strict protocols, managed to minimize risks and preserve flight safety, even in adverse conditions.
The importance of rigorous training
For Captain McMahon, the experience was a testament to the value of the training provided by the U.S. Air Force. He highlighted how flight simulators and emergency practices are essential to preparing pilots for real situations.
“I believe the Air Force is on the right track with the use of advanced technologies that truly simulate what we encounter in the field,” McMahon said upon accepting the trophy.
Even after activating the Emergency Power Unit, which maintained basic aircraft operation, the pilot was unable to restore propulsion.
It was necessary to follow each procedure and trust the protocols, which highlights the importance of discipline and preparation to deal with unexpected events in mid-flight.
A tradition of courage and excellence
The F-16 Fighting Falcon, which recently celebrated 50 years since its maiden flight, has a rich history of serving in a variety of combat scenarios.
McMahon's achievement adds a new chapter to the fighter's history, reaffirming the importance of training and operational readiness in the U.S. Air Force.
According to the USAF, the model is known for its versatility and effectiveness, and McMahon's action reinforces these attributes.
In addition to having saved a valuable aircraft, the pilot highlighted teamwork and the support of his colleagues as fundamental to the success of the mission.
McMahon received the award with humility and gratitude, attributing his achievement to the rigor of the training and the quality of the instruction he received.
Examples that inspire generations
For the U.S. Air Force, situations like the one McMahon faced reinforce the institution's commitment to safety and operational excellence.
By receiving the Koren Kolligian Jr. trophy, McMahon cemented his name as an example of courage and precision, essential attributes for an elite aviator.
The captain's extraordinary feat not only preserved resources and lives, but also inspired the military personnel present at the ceremony.
According to Allvin, McMahon's performance is a reminder of the value of continuous training and readiness to respond to high-risk scenarios, characteristics that define the U.S. Air Force.
The award is a milestone not only for McMahon, but for all pilots who dedicate their lives to the defense and security of the United States and its allies.
Do you believe that training like that carried out by the US Air Force is sufficient to ensure safety in extreme situations?
Yes, with proper training one gets closer to perfection, courage and dedication certainly bear fruit, as was proven in the incident that occurred.
I managed to stop my car when it ran out of fuel. But no one gave me a trophy. I got a ticket for running out of fuel. But the car was parked well.
LOL. I liked it despite your loss. Good humor is necessary because, in certain situations, you can't do anything, just relax and that's it.
As Marta Suplicy said, if rape is inevitable, relax and enjoy…
It was Maluf who said this memorable phrase.
True. Marta copied the expression when there was an air crisis with several delays.
No! It was Marta Suplicy!
Maybe he heard it from her and just repeated it at the right time? lol
What a horrible sentence, huh?
The real one who said that shit was Maluf. Marta said other shit
Professional
It's a good thing he saved the ship. Otherwise he would have died.
He could have ejected, my dear.
There was a failure in the propulsion system.
Another plane had the same “failure”…the F14 Tomcat!
Could eject!!
he of the f16 and 2 more of the f35....but the master of the landing without engine was the RUSSIAN IGOR VOLK who calibrated the flight systems of the Russian planes and expert in landing of planes without engine in Russia! It was he who "taught" the Russian space shuttle to land automatically!!! Not even the Americans did it with the space shuttle! Such a good pilot of the critical flight class! Hannah Becker...cio and critical logistics consultant!
The landing of the American space shuttles was fully automatic. The difference is that the Russian one had no crew.
They don't guarantee it, but they help!
Yes. It is essential. Congratulations.