US aviator shot down over Iran recalls 'free-falling' in first interview since rescue

Figure caption, US airman shot down over Iran recounts 'free-falling' with no parachute

A US Air Force officer 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 aviator, who was not named in the interview with CBS News' 60 Minutes programme.

The segment, which aired on Sunday, is the first time one of the aviators 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.