US aviator shot down over Iran recalls 'free
This article is a duplicate report detailing the survival story of a US pilot shot down over Iran. It covers the pilot's free-fall, his injuries, and the subsequent rescue operation.
Why it matters
It serves as a record of a significant military incident involving US personnel in hostile territory.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Max Matza US airman shot down over Iran recounts 'free-falling' with no parachute A US Air Force pilot has described "free-falling" to the ground with a damaged parachute after his plane was shot down over Iran, leading to a dangerous rescue operation.
"At one point, when I looked up and saw no parachute, that was the most terrifying thing I've ever seen," said the pilot, who was not named in the interview with CBS News's 60 Minutes programme.
The segment, which aired on Sunday, is the first time one of the pilots involved in the April incident over Iran has spoken out about their ordeal.
The two US troops ejected from the damaged plane, were separated, and had to evade Iranian forces while they awaited rescue from US special forces.
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