Mike Mangold is dead after he was involved in an L-39 Albatros crash Sunday afternoon. Witnesses to the crash say that the aircraft was attempting to takeoff from Apple Valley Airport in Apple Valley, CA when it encountered an issue and crashed.
Apple Valley Fire and Police Department spokesman Jason Nailon said that as “the jet was taxiing down the runway, someone spotted flames coming out of the engine.”
A second person onboard at the time of the crash was also killed, but authorities have not released their name.
Mangold was famous for his airshow flying and for his time as a Red Bull Air Race pilot. During his flying career, which spanned 38 years, Mangold flew for the USAF as well as commercially and as an airshow pilot. He won the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in 2004, 2005 and 2007, and took home gold, silver, and bronze medals at the US National Aerobatic Championships.
He is survived by his wife and two children. AirshowStuff sends our sincere condolences to Mike’s family and friends. Godspeed.
Veronica Opsanger
Best and warm thoughts to his children and his family. Best regards from Norway
Philip Patroniti
This is a tragic loss not only of an outstanding aviator but of an amazingly nice person. We will miss you Mike
Rob Mangold
Dateline: 2020 Update; The Mike Mangold Story Continues,
L-39 Investigation Team Breakthrough New Evidence…
–Miss my brother Mike, –Rob
https://youtu.be/nJAH3ndOwfE
Rob Mangold
Mike Mangold Story Continues YouTube Video #2 The What… & The How…
https://youtu.be/mYxk-NcckAw
-Miss my brother Mike, -Rob
Rob Mangold
Thanks Philip,
from Mike’s brother, Rob Mangold
https://youtu.be/a9WGZpLQv7Q