35 years ago, tragedy struck Indianapolis when military jet crashed into Ramada Inn
Tragedy struck Indianapolis 35 years ago today.
On Oct. 20, 1987, an A7-D military jet fighter crashed into the Ramada Inn near the Indianapolis International Airport and killed 10 people, according to archives. At least nine people were killed the day of and one died later in the hospital.
According to Indianapolis News archives, the pilot of the U.S. Air Force plane ejected before the jet struck a Bank One branch and the hotel, which went up in flames.
The pilot, Maj. Bruce Teagarden, was attempting to land the disabled aircraft, in Indianapolis, but aborted the mission and ejected before it crashed. Teagarden survived.
The jet ran out of power and clipped the top of the Bank One Building before it crashed into the hotel.
The aircraft that crashed into the Ramada Inn was linked to a secret stealth fighter program, according to Indianapolis Star archives.
The military jet fighter passed a preflight inspection less than 24 hours before the crash, the archived article stated. The plane was flying from Pittsburgh and bound for Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas.
A report from the Air Force, released in January 1988, said a history of problems with the oil system led to the crash, according to Indianapolis News archives.
Contact IndyStar trending reporter Claire Rafford at crafford@gannett.com or on Twitter @clairerafford.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis Ramada Inn plane crash happened 35 years ago at airport
