https://sanangelolive.com/news/crashes/2023-05-03/mysterious-jet-fighter-crashes-near-mertzon-and-no-one-talking
What an odd story but history related because of the cold war Czech plane.

Not that mysterious. Just an old jet trainer. Lots of Ex-Communist Bloc countries are selling their old planes. About the cheapest way one can get into a jet warbird.

Sounds like it had the engine quit, couldn't relight, and it was a forced landing, not a crash.

The quick removal of cameras may have more to do with the pilot doing a CYA, as opposed to anything to do with military or spy stuff

Yes, not uncommon and probably a YouTuber or warbird experience service. There's a dude here in Longview with an L-39 and two Mig 23s. I've never seen the Migs fly, but I've seen the L39 flying several times. Sounds quiet a bit different than the T38s that practice here almost daily.

Probably owned by ATAC . This company is owned by former Nay Fighter pilot who uses the L-38, A-4 and and Brit Hawker Hunters for dissimilar air combat opponents for the U.S. fighter jets. It is not uncommon to see them around Comanche over Proctor Lake dog fighting F-18 out of Carswell. The cameras. We're removed because they have video of those training exercises previous mentioned

That makes sense regarding the cameras. My assumption was just a pilot doing stupid stuff and hiding the evidence before FAA got there

Rabid Cougar said:

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Probably owned by ATAC

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FAA Database says

PHANTOM PHLYERS LLC
17628 AIRFIELD LN
PEARLAND

Hmmm...interesting article but, lots of silly made up"mystery" in that "crash" article.

Not a crash, but a forced landing...and apparently a pretty good one...

As previously noted, not a fighter...an old trainer

There are a number of companies providing adversary air services to the USAF. Its a growing business that provides DACT to students and instructors and reduces the cost, wear and tear on our own aircraft. I'm not sure if they are also providing the service to operational units. We have them at Lackland (Kelly) and Luke. The companies use a myriad of 3rd and 4th gen fighters and trainers to simulate the performance of various potential threats. A short coming that is now appearing is that they cannot effectively simulate 4th gen plus and 5th gen threats.

CanyonAg77 said:

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Rabid Cougar said:

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Probably owned by ATAC

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FAA Database says

PHANTOM PHLYERS LLC
17628 AIRFIELD LN
PEARLAND

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I quite literally live within 2 miles of this address.

There are also companies that supply air refueling services too
Omega