Ramstein air show disaster - Three jets collided in mid-air and crashed in the crowd

I was there, under a tent canopy, located about 150 yards from the point of impact, pouring cold drinks for the crowd. I did not see the collision, but I heard it and heard the vocal reaction of the crowd. Having trained as a volunteer firefighter, my first reaction was to run towards the scene. But I quickly realized there was nothing I could do because I had no equipment or supplies to do anything and would have likely just been in the way. It was a totally helpless feeling. I stayed there in the area sort of in shock, wandering around aimlessly until I finally walked the three miles or so to go home, abandoning my car in the area, retrieving it the next day.

This is the first time that I've seen this video. Brings all of the memories and feelings right back. This was a very difficult day in my life. Bless all of those involved!

It was a day I will never forget I still have nightmares .It was a horrific accident & the loss of life the burned and many were separated from loved ones.My buddies & I tried our best to help the injured and get them to safety.I still smell the jet fuel that was on the ground the fire the shrapnel pieces of jets everywhere .The sounds of helicopters flying right over us. I was only 50 yrds away from where the jet crashed into the crowd. I feel so awful I made it but so many did not .The faces are etched in my mind the death and destruction was horrible.The one pilot that was able to not crash into the crowd lost his life after the impact and crashed away from the crowd...saving more lives that way. If you were there you know you never forget. Brings tears to my eyes ...God bless

After this accident there was a great deal of concern over the possible danger of attending airshows, so much so that airshows were banned in Germany altogether. Yet, the Germans are willing to attend even more dangerous road rallies where spectators stand right next to the road waiting to be mowed down by race cars travelling at up to 100 miles an hour! The hypocricy is supreme.

In the caption it said this was "One of the worst airshow disasters in history". To date this is actually THE worst airshow disaster in history! It almost put an end to public airshows as we know it. The gross negligence of the Italian pilots and airshow coordinators as well as rash reactionary lawsuits by grief striken relatives of the spectators who were injured or lost their lives in this tragedy, cast a dark shadow over an otherwise honorable profession.

Actually I was there also and it was someones fault. The Italian pilots were drinking champagne before they got into their planes. I don't think this was ever publicized, but my friend who was a Chief master Sargent and his family saw them

There is nothing wrong with Airshows. Air Crews need Training.Everybody that goes to an Airshow, made that own decicion for himself.Like my Father. He would be broud to know, that i went to the Airforce, even he died there in Ramstein.

Well Number 7, lets together respect and remember all the people that were killed that day. No one is to plame. It was an accident. I was there. My father was killed, my 4 year old brother got burned.After that , i went to the Airforce.

STATIONED THERE WHEN THIS HAPPENED. WARM DAY, MY WIFE WANTED TO MOVE NEAR SOME SHADE. WE WERE INITIALLY CLOSE TO IMPACT BEFORE WE MOVED. IT APPEARED TO ME IN SLOW MOTION. THIS IS 1ST TIME I HAVE SEEN THE VIDEO IN 20 YEARS. SAD DAY

I was there 20 years ago. No comment.

the only accident of the frecce tricolori in their 50 tears story. We can understand the mistake of the pilots, it's their job, but others responsables of this tragedy were the organizators who allowed the croed to stay so near to the lane.

I am disgusted at the two from New Zealand. Do they not realize how tragic that was. It make me sad that people can look at this and think it "Gangsta".

Hi! Tragedy-and since then air shows are forbidden in Germany- only static displays. In the same manouwer but in "sport aircraft",crashed two pilots in Radom in 2007....

It could be interesting to know that two of the pilots died had to testify for the famous Ustica airplane accident. These pilots were flying on F104's that night to intercepts two planes that were seen flying back the DC9.

Yo we in I.T and we saw this vid and thimk it GANGSTAD!!!!!!!!!!! yo rep TK!!!

why do thy try perform such a risky manover so near to the crowd?

But to do this in something that is heavier than air over a crowd is just plain neglegent and the show orginisers should have faced criminal charges

of all the chilling sights this has 2 b it.airshows r 4 entertainment.So is motor racing,if u stand on the outside apex of a corner at a rally meeting the chances r u could get wiped out just as easily.CONT>

This is the mother of all air show accidents. No perpendicular flying is allowed any more thank god.

Should air shows be relegated to history? Why should aeroplanes be used to fly dangerous manoeuvres when not only do they endanger the flying crews' lives but also the crowds and innocent people living on the perimeter? Why?

Horrible... So many people died. Did you know that this is the accident which German band Rammstein get its name?

i guess its pretty hard not to collide with other planes, thats why flying in a formation is dangeorus

Wow, it's crazy to think that all I have to do is walk 25 feet to my left go outside and see the very spot where this happend. I'm stationed here at Ramstein, AFB. Just show's how the unexpected can happen at any moment.

just respect the people who died in this tragedy.

So Virgilio you were the pilot of Pony 7? Then you are A.Boiardi, right? VIVA L'ITALIA

it was a tragedy. I don't like you want to see this video. This isn't cool it was a VERY tragedy. please don't comment on this. Viva l'Italia P.S. i'm the number 7

Sick.