Witnesses: Airplane's Drogue Chute Deployed, The Collapsed And Detached

A MiG 21 (similar aircraft pictured in file photo) has been involved in a runway excursion in Eden Prairie, MN, as the pilot was attempting to land at Flying Cloud Airport (KFCM).  Witnesses say the airplane's drogue chute deployed, but then collapsed and detached, so that the pilot was not able to stop before reaching the runway threshold.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that the pilot, who according to authorities suffered only minor injuries and has not been identified, was landing at KFCM Thursday morning for an annual air show being held over the weekend. The plane overran the end of the runway and came to rest with its nose in a roadside ditch about a quarter mile from the end of the runway.

A witness told television station KARE that the pilot had made a couple of low passes over the airport before his landing attempt. "He used the afterburner one time," said witness Bob Haueter.

After speaking with mechanics on the scene, police spokeswoman Katie Beal said the airplane was likely a total loss. There was no fire, but the aircraft was heavily damaged. FAA records indicate that the MiG, which was manufactured in 1975, is registered to William Ward of Ann Arbor. MI.

AirExpo organizers said that the show would go on as planned this weekend.

FMI: www.airexpo-mn.org