Buzzed multiple times by twin engine jet

Glove · 07-16-2006, 09:40 PM

While boating last Friday near Swallow Point off the Moultonborough neck we were buzzed by a high speed, silver, twin engine jet that was flying at a high rate of speed, swooping down on the lake (and basically our boat), and then pulling up and banking a turn just as it passed over us. It made a few passes, and then exited. However, a few hours later it returned and did the exact same manuever. The jet had no military markings, and thus it was some type of private jet.

I'm curious if anyone is aware of this incident, or if this nut has done this before. It certainly unnerved the skier I was pulling, and unnerved me as well.

hazelnut · 07-16-2006, 11:13 PM

I saw it as well. Pretty sure it was this aircraft:

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/a-10-25.jpg

It was most certainly a military aircraft. Not sure which base it came from but I thought the whole "Show" was AWESOME!!!!!

Pretty cool when I was coming out of Center Harbour to see it all over again!

Airwaves · 07-17-2006, 12:28 AM

That appears to be a Warthog. A tank killer.

Check with the FAA and see if there was a show (even a ballpark dedication etc) anywhere in New England, if so that is the story.

During the 4th of July celebration in Boston three F-16s did a flyby, they were from the Vermont Air National Guard. (I found that comforting since I have an ancestor that served in the 8th Vermont Troop F during the Civil War at the battle and siege of Port Hudson!)

All traffic was stopped at Logan and nothing was allowed to fly near Boston. I watched as the strobe lights became fighter jets and blew past my building at less than 500 feet! Then came the sound!

That said, if someone was buzzing the lake and did not have authority, military or civilian, it needs to be reported!

If they had authority no big deal, if they didn't, someone needs to be busted!

I'll tell you, if that A-10 came from Vermont, my ancestor, the Sergeant, would be very impressed!

Airwaves · 07-17-2006, 01:02 AM

I went searching to see if I was right about the A-10 Warthog, I was.

Here is a link to a pic that I think is what you saw.

http://www.a-10.org/photos/p.asp?Fil...024%5F01%2Ejpg

It's one Hell of an aircraft!

ossipeeboater · 07-17-2006, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airwaves

That appears to be a Warthog. A tank killer.

Check with the FAA and see if there was a show (even a ballpark dedication etc) anywhere in New England, if so that is the story.

!

the NASCAR race was this weekend so it may have been the planes they were bringing in to do the flyover practicing. I didn't see whether the warthogs were the flyover arcraft because i missed the beginning fo the race but they needto get their timing down for the flyover.

LSBA Joker · 07-17-2006, 08:44 AM

Recollect the tail markings? Likely was a large black 'MA'. This would be from the 104th Fighter Wind from Barnes Airport in Westfield.
If 'CT', from the 103rd at Bradley.

My unit greeted the Barnestormers when they arrived from Aviano at 2:00AM one morning after having deployed to support peacekeepers in Serbia. Quite a few patches in their planes from groundfire since low and slow is their life.

The 104thFW was the best unit I ever has the pleasure of being associated with.

Kamper · 07-17-2006, 05:20 PM

Most Air Force training missions have a filed flight plan. If you really believe the guy was operating in an unsafe manner just the time of day and location will go a long way towards tracking this person down. It's been a while since I flew but I believe they are supposed to stay more than 500ft horizontally and vertically from vessels so you would be in your rights to complain.

I wouldnt do it though unless you really felt in danger and are certain the pilot was trying to be reckless.

Good luck!

Tallyho · 07-17-2006, 07:19 PM

I think we need to cut the pilot some slack! He is training, you are boating! He is the one that went, or is going overseas, to fly combat missions if requested. I can tell you that patrols in peace time can be very boring. Was there any damage from his "buzz", was anyone hurt? No, probably not. Yes, maybe he was too low, probably looking for bikinis, or topless, but pilots have been "buzzing' since the beginning of aviation! Unless a genuine "unsafe act" has been committed, I think you should give him a break.

wildwoodfam · 07-17-2006, 07:54 PM

as a boater at least...might I suggest that the USAF Jet in question most likely was not "buzzing" your boat - but was rather - buzzing somebody he new on the shoreline - as these fellas (and ladies) often do on the big lake. Having spent many many years boating on the lake I have seen many many jets, helicopters, seaplanes, and those funny looking hang-gliding type one man airplanes swooping and cruising the lake.

If it frightened you and your crew - thats understandable - but I would hardly think he got close enough to you to really cause any real concern if you couldn't even read the marking on the jet.

That says a lot right there.

As a newbie - you will encounter an awful lot of tomfoolery and shenanagins on this big and sometime crule lake....best to take it all in and enjoy as best you can.

Welcome to Winnie - hope you are having a nice first season as a captain!

pmj · 07-18-2006, 05:47 AM

We were out on the lake one evening last week when a private twin engine plane did the same thing. The one we saw was definately not the same plane.
Although it was fun to watch it was a little unnerving to come so close to the top of a sailboat mast!

pmj

Glove · 07-18-2006, 07:46 AM

Thanks for the responses. The photos you posted are indeed the jet I was trying to describe. For clarification, I would guess that the jet was perhaps 500 - 1000 feet off the deck on two to four passes, and higher for the other passes.

I think all of the points made above are valid ones. My posting was not one of complaint, nor was I implying that it was a big deal and that someone needs to be held responsible simply because it "unnerved me." Rather, it was a posting of curiosity to find out if anyone could provide insight. I appreciate everyone's answers.

WeirsGuard · 07-18-2006, 08:17 AM

If I recall correctly from my AF flying days, there is no altitude limit over open water although the clearance limits from boats / populated areas still applied. Took our KC-135 pretty low over the lake on a few occasions for foliage season but never as low as the Warthogs go.

Joanna16 · 07-18-2006, 04:52 PM

Nascar fly over was 2 warthogs from VT and a re-fueler from Portsmouth. These guys have to fight over who gets to do special assignments like Nascar events so I am sure they were out practicing and enjoying the view. Hope you enjoyed the show as much as they enjoyed seeing the people they protect and serve doing what freedom is all about.

Skip · 07-18-2006, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joanna16

...Nascar fly over was 2 warthogs from VT and a re-fueler from Portsmouth....

Nope, the flyover Sunday was the usual two F-16s (out of New York) being led by the KC-135 stationed out of Pease.

Was a little disappointed the F-16s didn't kick in their afterburners and do a vertical climbout, but was glad to see them there all the same.

The description given in the original and subsequent posts in no way describes the F-16.

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Skip

Mee-n-Mac · 07-18-2006, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip

Nope, the flyover Sunday was the usual two F-16s (out of New York) being led by the KC-135 stationed out of Pease.

Was a little disappointed the F-16s didn't kick in their afterburners and do a vertical climbout, but was glad to see them there all the same.

The description given in the original and subsequent posts in no way describes the F-16.

Skip

Yeah, there's no way an F-16 pilot would ever violate altitude restrictions.

I for one have never seen F-16's fly under the Rt98 bridge from the mainland to Tyndall AFB (FL). Nope, never saw it !

So now we want to know, were they Warthogs or Fighting Falcons ?

Skip · 07-18-2006, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mee-n-Mac

Yeah, there's no way an F-16 pilot would ever violate altitude restrictions.

I for one have never seen F-16's fly under the Rt98 bridge from the mainland to Tyndall AFB (FL). Nope, never saw it !

So now we want to know, were they Warthogs or Fighting Falcons ?

Sorry, didn't mean to imply that a Falcon driver wouldn't commit the acts as described, just meant that the "two engine" description didn't fit the Falcon profile.

But I have seen many a Warthog buzzing the landscape, especially in and above the notches and over on 89 and northern 93. I think the boys from Vermont love scaring the beejesus out of us native and tourist folk over here in Cow Hampshire.

Anyway, the two fighters escorting the KC-135 Sunday at Loudon were definitely Falcons. Don't want to clog up the post with a bunch of links, but a quick google search on Sunday's race activities will reveal multiple posters commenting on the F-16 flyover, usually combining it with comments about it coming a tad bit early....in the middle of the Anthem.

Was a pretty sight all the same!

Skip

Waterbaby · 07-18-2006, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip

Sorry, didn't mean to imply that a Falcon driver wouldn't commit the acts as described, just meant that the "two engine" description didn't fit the Falcon profile.

But I have seen many a Warthog buzzing the landscape, especially in and above the notches and over on 89 and northern 93. I think the boys from Vermont love scaring the beejesus out of us native and tourist folk over here in Cow Hampshire.

Anyway, the two fighters escorting the KC-135 Sunday at Loudon were definitely Falcons. Don't want to clog up the post with a bunch of links, but a quick google search on Sunday's race activities will reveal multiple posters commenting on the F-16 flyover, usually combining it with comments about it coming a tad bit early....in the middle of the Anthem.

Was a pretty sight all the same!

Skip

Hi Skip - Having been to Cup races at Loudon every year now, except for this one, I'm thinking their coming in the middle of the Anthem is right on time, as they do it just about the same time year after year, at both races, lol! I think it may be caused by the fact that the festivities never start "on time" anymore, and the pilots are probably given a schedule which doesn't take that into consideration........ but that's another board and another thread!

EllyPoinster · 09-05-2006, 03:28 PM

Well, they may be out practicing for the NASCAR race on September 17th. Two A-10 Warthogs buzzed Merrymeeting this afternoon. Awesome sight.

By the way, there was an earlier reference to the A-10's being from the Vermont Air Guard. From their website, it looks like the Green Mountain Boys only fly F-16's. The nearest A-10 unit I could find is the 104th Fighter Wing (MA Air Guard) out of Westover, MA.

itchin for fishin · 09-05-2006, 05:06 PM

I too saw these planes on Friday, and then saw the same planes on Saturday in Nashua.

ossipeeboater · 09-06-2006, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EllyPoinster

Well, they may be out practicing for the NASCAR race on September 17th. Two A-10 Warthogs buzzed Merrymeeting this afternoon. Awesome sight.

By the way, there was an earlier reference to the A-10's being from the Vermont Air Guard. From their website, it looks like the Green Mountain Boys only fly F-16's. The nearest A-10 unit I could find is the 104th Fighter Wing (MA Air Guard) out of Westover, MA.

that is correct VT flies F16's they will actually be stationed down here in Portsmouth for 6 weeks while they make imporvements to the burlington base.

A10's fly terrain training over the white mountain national forest, they had been fairly absnt the last few years but seem to have reappeared lately. Kind of cool to see them out there and they come in real low as part of the training.

WeirsGuard · 09-06-2006, 09:38 AM

Ossipeeboater is right about the VTANG operating out of Pease. So chances are you will see more F-16's buzzing around the Lake. There are several MOA's (Military Operating Areas) and Low Level Routes around New England used by the various active duty and Guard / Reserve units in the area. None of these areas (as I recall from my Air Force flying days) encompass low altitude clearance over the Lake. What you see are guys and gals going enroute to Pease or Otis having a little fun by going low over some of the most scenic terrain around. Nothing like having a multi million dollar toy to sight see with. Be assured these folks are playing by the rules. When flying under VFR (Visual Flight Rules) they can come pretty low over water or sparsely populated areas and still be within prescribed altitude limits. Enjoy the thrill of seeing our military show its stuff.

Jet Noise...The Sound Of Freedom.

SAMIAM · 09-06-2006, 11:11 AM

One of "our own" is a Warthog pilot. Jane Goodhue is a local girl who went on from Moultonborough academy to the Naval Academy.Wish she'd been piloting durring that flyover so that I could have waved to her.

07-16-2006, 09:40 PM	#1
Glove Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 19 Thanks: 2 Thanked 6 Times in 2 Posts	Buzzed multiple times by twin engine jet While boating last Friday near Swallow Point off the Moultonborough neck we were buzzed by a high speed, silver, twin engine jet that was flying at a high rate of speed, swooping down on the lake (and basically our boat), and then pulling up and banking a turn just as it passed over us. It made a few passes, and then exited. However, a few hours later it returned and did the exact same manuever. The jet had no military markings, and thus it was some type of private jet. I'm curious if anyone is aware of this incident, or if this nut has done this before. It certainly unnerved the skier I was pulling, and unnerved me as well.

07-16-2006, 11:13 PM	#2
hazelnut Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,348 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 508 Thanked 462 Times in 162 Posts	I was there! I saw it as well. Pretty sure it was this aircraft: http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/a-10-25.jpg It was most certainly a military aircraft. Not sure which base it came from but I thought the whole "Show" was AWESOME!!!!! Pretty cool when I was coming out of Center Harbour to see it all over again! Attached Images

07-17-2006, 12:28 AM	#3
Airwaves Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: I'm right here! Posts: 1,153 Thanks: 9 Thanked 102 Times in 37 Posts	That appears to be a Warthog. A tank killer. Check with the FAA and see if there was a show (even a ballpark dedication etc) anywhere in New England, if so that is the story. During the 4th of July celebration in Boston three F-16s did a flyby, they were from the Vermont Air National Guard. (I found that comforting since I have an ancestor that served in the 8th Vermont Troop F during the Civil War at the battle and siege of Port Hudson!) All traffic was stopped at Logan and nothing was allowed to fly near Boston. I watched as the strobe lights became fighter jets and blew past my building at less than 500 feet! Then came the sound! That said, if someone was buzzing the lake and did not have authority, military or civilian, it needs to be reported! If they had authority no big deal, if they didn't, someone needs to be busted! I'll tell you, if that A-10 came from Vermont, my ancestor, the Sergeant, would be very impressed! Last edited by Airwaves; 07-17-2006 at 01:02 AM.

07-17-2006, 08:44 AM	#6
LSBA Joker Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Meredith and SE Mass Posts: 56 Thanks: 7 Thanked 4 Times in 2 Posts	Warthog heaven Recollect the tail markings? Likely was a large black 'MA'. This would be from the 104th Fighter Wind from Barnes Airport in Westfield. If 'CT', from the 103rd at Bradley. My unit greeted the Barnestormers when they arrived from Aviano at 2:00AM one morning after having deployed to support peacekeepers in Serbia. Quite a few patches in their planes from groundfire since low and slow is their life. The 104thFW was the best unit I ever has the pleasure of being associated with.

07-17-2006, 07:19 PM	#8
Tallyho Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 312 Thanks: 439 Thanked 16 Times in 13 Posts	Buzzing I think we need to cut the pilot some slack! He is training, you are boating! He is the one that went, or is going overseas, to fly combat missions if requested. I can tell you that patrols in peace time can be very boring. Was there any damage from his "buzz", was anyone hurt? No, probably not. Yes, maybe he was too low, probably looking for bikinis, or topless, but pilots have been "buzzing' since the beginning of aviation! Unless a genuine "unsafe act" has been committed, I think you should give him a break.

07-17-2006, 01:02 AM	#4
Airwaves Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: I'm right here! Posts: 1,153 Thanks: 9 Thanked 102 Times in 37 Posts	I went searching to see if I was right about the A-10 Warthog, I was. Here is a link to a pic that I think is what you saw. http://www.a-10.org/photos/p.asp?Fil...024%5F01%2Ejpg It's one Hell of an aircraft!

07-17-2006, 05:20 PM	#7
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,296 Thanks: 67 Thanked 166 Times in 126 Posts	Most Air Force training missions have a filed flight plan. If you really believe the guy was operating in an unsafe manner just the time of day and location will go a long way towards tracking this person down. It's been a while since I flew but I believe they are supposed to stay more than 500ft horizontally and vertically from vessels so you would be in your rights to complain. I wouldnt do it though unless you really felt in danger and are certain the pilot was trying to be reckless. Good luck!

07-17-2006, 07:54 PM	#9
wildwoodfam Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: North Andover, MA & summers up at the BIG lake Posts: 285 Thanks: 5 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Considering your rookie status on the lake.... as a boater at least...might I suggest that the USAF Jet in question most likely was not "buzzing" your boat - but was rather - buzzing somebody he new on the shoreline - as these fellas (and ladies) often do on the big lake. Having spent many many years boating on the lake I have seen many many jets, helicopters, seaplanes, and those funny looking hang-gliding type one man airplanes swooping and cruising the lake. If it frightened you and your crew - thats understandable - but I would hardly think he got close enough to you to really cause any real concern if you couldn't even read the marking on the jet. That says a lot right there. As a newbie - you will encounter an awful lot of tomfoolery and shenanagins on this big and sometime crule lake....best to take it all in and enjoy as best you can. Welcome to Winnie - hope you are having a nice first season as a captain!

07-18-2006, 05:47 AM	#10
pmj Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 240 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	we saw a different plane We were out on the lake one evening last week when a private twin engine plane did the same thing. The one we saw was definately not the same plane. Although it was fun to watch it was a little unnerving to come so close to the top of a sailboat mast! pmj

07-18-2006, 07:46 AM	#11
Glove Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 19 Thanks: 2 Thanked 6 Times in 2 Posts	Warthog Thanks for the responses. The photos you posted are indeed the jet I was trying to describe. For clarification, I would guess that the jet was perhaps 500 - 1000 feet off the deck on two to four passes, and higher for the other passes. I think all of the points made above are valid ones. My posting was not one of complaint, nor was I implying that it was a big deal and that someone needs to be held responsible simply because it "unnerved me." Rather, it was a posting of curiosity to find out if anyone could provide insight. I appreciate everyone's answers.

07-18-2006, 08:17 AM	#12
WeirsGuard Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 38 Thanks: 0 Thanked 12 Times in 8 Posts	Buzzing the Lake If I recall correctly from my AF flying days, there is no altitude limit over open water although the clearance limits from boats / populated areas still applied. Took our KC-135 pretty low over the lake on a few occasions for foliage season but never as low as the Warthogs go.

07-18-2006, 04:52 PM	#13
Joanna16 Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: On a Lake in NH Posts: 47 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Nascar fly over was 2 warthogs from VT and a re-fueler from Portsmouth. These guys have to fight over who gets to do special assignments like Nascar events so I am sure they were out practicing and enjoying the view. Hope you enjoyed the show as much as they enjoyed seeing the people they protect and serve doing what freedom is all about.

09-05-2006, 03:28 PM	#18
EllyPoinster Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 160 Thanks: 13 Thanked 25 Times in 20 Posts	That Time Again? Well, they may be out practicing for the NASCAR race on September 17th. Two A-10 Warthogs buzzed Merrymeeting this afternoon. Awesome sight. By the way, there was an earlier reference to the A-10's being from the Vermont Air Guard. From their website, it looks like the Green Mountain Boys only fly F-16's. The nearest A-10 unit I could find is the 104th Fighter Wing (MA Air Guard) out of Westover, MA.

09-05-2006, 05:06 PM	#19
itchin for fishin Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 105 Thanks: 3 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	I too saw these planes on Friday, and then saw the same planes on Saturday in Nashua.

09-06-2006, 09:38 AM	#21
WeirsGuard Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 38 Thanks: 0 Thanked 12 Times in 8 Posts	Low Flying Jets Ossipeeboater is right about the VTANG operating out of Pease. So chances are you will see more F-16's buzzing around the Lake. There are several MOA's (Military Operating Areas) and Low Level Routes around New England used by the various active duty and Guard / Reserve units in the area. None of these areas (as I recall from my Air Force flying days) encompass low altitude clearance over the Lake. What you see are guys and gals going enroute to Pease or Otis having a little fun by going low over some of the most scenic terrain around. Nothing like having a multi million dollar toy to sight see with. Be assured these folks are playing by the rules. When flying under VFR (Visual Flight Rules) they can come pretty low over water or sparsely populated areas and still be within prescribed altitude limits. Enjoy the thrill of seeing our military show its stuff. Jet Noise...The Sound Of Freedom.

09-06-2006, 11:11 AM	#22
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,836 Thanks: 326 Thanked 1,626 Times in 562 Posts	One of "our own" is a Warthog pilot. Jane Goodhue is a local girl who went on from Moultonborough academy to the Naval Academy.Wish she'd been piloting durring that flyover so that I could have waved to her.