AMHERST JUNCTION (WAOW)--An Amherst Junction couple just happened to be in the area when an F-16 crashed in Adams County Tuesday afternoon. Little did they know they would find the jet's pilot.
Darren and Tabitha Koback were setting up trail cameras when they saw something unbelievable. "All of a sudden I just looked back toward the truck and then looked over and saw this huge mushroom cloud of smoke and I just looked at my husband and said 'oh my god that plane crashed," said Tabitha Koback.
Although he questioned what his wife was saying, Darren suggested she call 911 and the two jumped in their truck and headed for the scene.
"All you could see was smoke, some small flames, but a lot of smoke," said Tabitha.
After talking with paramedics and witnesses, the two decided they should try and find the plane's pilot since Tabitha had seen what she thought was a parachute exit the jet just before it crashed.
Sure enough, "400 or 500 yards down the road there he was standing in the ditch with his parachute and gear," said Tabitha.
So they gave him a something to drink and let him sit in their air conditioned truck. The two said he was in good condition, with a few minor cuts to his chin.
"We were happy to help," said Darren. "It was in kind of out in the country so we were concerned if anybody was going to find the pilot if he was hurt."
Online Reporter: Bonnie Shelton
