Manama: A Saudi pilot from the famous Royal Saudi Air Force Hawks aerobatic team had a narrow escape after his plane was hit by a large bird in eastern Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Hawks were putting on a performance over Khobar when a large bird hit one of the planes, causing the pilot to lose consciousness and control of the aircraft, local daily Al Yawm reported on Wednesday.
Other pilots looked on helplessly, praying for a miracle, as the plane plunged towards the ground.
Fortunately, the pilot regained consciousness in time and redirected the plane, the daily said, adding that the ground was only a few metres away.
The team put on an impressive performance last week at Bahrain International Air Show, winning the hearts and minds of thousands of spectators.
The Saudi Hawks later said that they were looking forward to the 2016 airshow in Bahrain.
The team comprises six flying members and two spares, Lieutenant Colonel Humaidi Al Nahsi, their leader, said. “We fly 500 nautical miles every day. In the event of long distance flying as to Europe, there are 12 stops en route,” he said.
The Hawks fly every possible day since the team’s preparedness has to be maintained at every moment, he added.
Captain Fahad Al Owais said that it takes about two weeks of brainstorming to decide the exact plan to be executed through the show.
The team said that two shows were planned in Dammam, followed by three days in Jeddah, while shows outside Saudi Arabia would be in France and Germany. “An average age for a Hawk would be 29,” said Captain Abdul Raouf Sulami. The Saudi Hawks pilots trained at the King Faisal Aviation Academy.
