Douglas Havoc emergency landing

The world one and only airworthy Douglas A-20G Havoc was substantially damaged at Laredo International Airport on 16 February 2025. During the WBCA Air Show the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing. It lead to a significant incident.

On images of the accident vast amounts of black smoke could be seen arising from the plane, which people made fear the worst for the pilot and plane. But immediate response of the local firefighters prevented the loss of both. Some images of the incident can be found on the website of the Laredo Morning Post here.

The pilot was taken to the hospital, but was not critically injured. The Havoc, 43-21709 (c/n 21356), registered as N747HS, is owned by Lewis Air Legends of San Antonio (TX). Lewis acquired the warbird in 2010. It was first flown after restoration on 15 July 2015. It is expected that given time and $$, the Havoc will fly again!

Photo of N747HS during Air Venture 2017 by Fred Willemsen via AirHistory.net