They wanted to watch it from a really close distance. Little did they know their desires would be fulfilled to such an extent that it would only just narrowly miss their heads.
That is what can be said about a group of spectators enjoying an air-show in Lincolnshire, England who were forced to dive for cover as a monstrous F16 fighter jet zipped through only about a meter away from their heads as the military aircraft landed at a frighteningly low-level.
Footage posted online – going viral for its chilling effect – shows the Turkish Air Force plane flying past only a couple of feet over the heads of those gathered near the start of the runway at RAF Waddington.
The one-minute-19-second YouTube video shows the moment at the Waddington International Air Show, when spectators are waving as the Turkish aircraft approached in the distance.
But as the jet came closer, the crowd only had splits of seconds to realize it had come too close as it got lower – an instance that made some people duck and run for cover.
"That was bit close, wasn't it," one man was heard remarking as he recovered after the narrow miss.
Watch the video below:
"The pilot made an unforgettable memory for the crowd," said an individual named John Johnson, after viewing the footage in You Tube.
"And nobody hi-fived the pilot L," was another quip from Nick Show.
Another person joked: "Here is an idea. Wear a bright orange top and wave at the pilot. Distract him enough to mow you down."
Popular among plane enthusiasts, the location has gained fame, of late, for those who want to experience the sight and sound of aircraft flying at a really low level.
The F-16 jets, also referred to as "Vipers," were developed in the 1970 for the US Air Force, although they are still used by several countries today, the Independent notes.
Over 150,000 people were expected to visit the RAF base near Lincoln at the 20th annual show – where 160 aircrafts were on show including the Red Arrows, the iconic Spitfires and Typhoons.
The proceeds from the two-day show will reportedly go to the RAF and local charities.
