BBC
US aviator shot down over Iran recalls 'free-falling' in first interview since rescue
Monday, September 14, 2026
A US aviator was shot down over Iran and rescued in April 2026, marking the first documented US military personnel on Iranian ground since 1980, according to American officials. The aviator described experiencing free-fall after being shot down in an interview following the rescue operation. Details about the specific circumstances of the shootdown and rescue operation were not provided in available reports.
Original reporting: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy7zvxe1jm7o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss