Christopher Stricklin ejecting from his F-16

This dramatic image captures Christopher Stricklin ejecting from his F-16 Fighting Falcon during an airshow at Mountain Home Air Force Base on September 14, 2003. While performing a Split-S maneuver, Stricklin began the descent from only 1,670 feet above ground level, well below the 2,500 feet required to complete it safely. The mistake was attributed to his familiarity with Nellis Air Force Base, which sits at a lower elevation, leading to a misjudgment in altitude.

Realising the danger, Stricklin immediately applied maximum back-stick pressure and adjusted the aircraft’s direction to steer it away from the crowd. With no chance of recovery, he ejected just 0.8 seconds before impact. The aircraft was destroyed, but his quick actions prevented casualties on the ground, and he survived with only minor injuries.