From February 1986 to February 1987, the U.S. Navy’s Memorial Museum (now National Museum of the U.S. Navy) celebrated the 75th Anniversary of Naval Aviation with airshows around the United States. Of course, the British Empire had to get involved and the Royal Navy sent at least one FRS Mark 1 (FRS.1) Sea Harriers (Two? I read somewhere that there were two Royal Navy Harriers, however, after reviewing tarmac staging area photos I’ve concluded that it was one Royal Navy FRS.1 and a brand new USMC AV-8B.).

FRS.1 #122 takes off on its fateful public demonstration. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Petty Officer Third Class Paquette.

The FRS.1 was relatively new, having entered service in 1979 for testing, with the first operation unit formed in 1980.

The FRS.1 climbs into the sky over Naval Air Station Pensacola, 10MAY1986. USN photo by PH3 Paquette.

The week of May 3rd through 11th, 1986, saw the aircraft fluttering about over Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.  The photos are dated 10MAY1986. I found an article about that specific airshow, dubbed ‘Magic Week’ in the U.S. Navy’s July-August 1986 issue of Naval Aviation News, all it says on page 40 is “The Air Shows on May 10-11 wrapped up the week’s events….. flights of vintage aircraft such as… as well as current operational aircraft such as…  and a British Sea Harrier.”    

U.S. Marine Corps KC-130F Hercules ‘Fat Albert’ Blue Angels support aircraft demonstrates its RATO abilities, just after #122 landed on its Aden gun pods due to failure of the landing gear to extend. USN photo by PH3 Paquette.

Fat Albert has launched, the FRS.1 pilot opens the canopy, emergency vehicles are on their way. USN photo by PH3 Paquette.

In this photo you see the pilot laying on the grass behind the Sea Harrier. USN photo by PH3 Paquette.

USN photo by PH3 Paquette.

I have not been able to find any official documentation about this incident.

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