F-16 Fighter Pilot Awarded Kolligian Trophy for Heroic Flight Maneuver

What You Need to Know: Captain Harry "Butcher" McMahon, an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot with the 80th Fighter Squadron, received the 2023 Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy for his exceptional airmanship during a critical in-flight emergency on July 28, 2023, in South Korea.

-While executing an Advanced Combat Maneuver sortie, McMahon experienced an engine failure accompanied by a loss of thrust. Despite the emergency, he skillfully diverted to Cheongju Air Base. During his approach, air traffic control cleared two South Korean F-35s for takeoff in the opposite direction, creating a potential collision risk.

-McMahon maintained altitude and executed a flawless flameout landing, avoiding disaster and saving a $40 million aircraft. His actions exemplified exceptional skill and composure under pressure.

Hero Pilot Saves F-16 in Mid-Air Emergency: Captain McMahon Honored

Few members of the U.S. military will ever say they seek fame and glory. Winning awards is just something that comes with the job, at least for those who go above and beyond. There are plenty of awards and commendations that no one wants to win – yet, those receiving them are likely to be honored should the time come. That is almost certainly true of recipients of the "Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy," which has been presented annually to U.S. Air Force aviators since it was established.

The 2023 trophy was awarded to Captain Harry "Butcher" McMahan at a ceremony at the Pentagon recently.

About the Trophy

"The Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy recognizes outstanding feats of airmanship by aircrew members who by extraordinary skill, exceptional alertness, ingenuity, or proficiency, averted accidents or minimized the seriousness of the accidents in terms of injury, loss of life, aircraft damage, or property damage," the Air Force Safety Center noted, adding that the trophy serves to memorialize 1st Lt. Koren Kolligian Jr., a U.S. Air Force pilot declared missing in the line of duty after his T-33 Shooting Star aircraft disappeared off the coast of California during a training flight in September 1955.

Lt. Kolligan's family donated a large permanent trophy that is now on display in the Pentagon, while individual presentation trophies are awarded to U.S. pilots. It remains the only individual flight safety ward personally presented to U.S. Air Force aviators by the Air Force chief of staff.

"This is the highest safety achievement award that we give," said current Air Force Chief of Staff General David Allvin. "It's not just about safety. It's about operational effectiveness."

Saving an F-16 And Avoiding a Catastrophe

Captain McMahon received the 2023 Koren Kolligan Jr. Trophy for a July 28, 2023, incident in South Korea. McMahon, an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot with the 80th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, South Korea,  was at the controls of his aircraft when he experienced an in-flight engine failure.

According to the citation that accompanied the award, McMahon was, "flying as number two in a four-ship of F-16CM's," while executing, "an Advanced Combat Maneuver sortie." 

After completing a defensive engagement, McMahon heard an audible surge, or thump – accompanied by a loss of thrust. Though the Emergency Power Unit (EPU) automatically activated as expected, and provided the necessary electrical and hydraulic power, McMahon was unable to regain usable thrust even after methodically executing the emergency checklist. It was quickly determined that McMahon couldn't return to his home base, and the decision was made to divert to the closest South Korean military base.

"While established on a six-mile final approach to Cheongju Air Base, Tower Control cleared two Korean F-35s for takeoff in the opposite direction creating an immediate traffic conflict." McMahon's F-16 lacked the sufficient thrust to execute a go-around and instead, he avoided the South Korean fifth-generation fighters by maintaining sufficient altitude and airspeed, while he executed a "textbook flameout landing as the traffic conflict passed overhead," the citation further noted.

The chief of staff praised the aviator both for his exceptional aviation skills and his quick decision-making abilities, which helped prevent injuries but also saved the F-16.

"Capt. McMahon exemplifies what it means to be an American Airman and aviator. When facing danger, he was decisive and cool-headed, allowing him to successfully problem-solve and navigate a life-threatening situation," said Allvin.

"His calm demeanor under pressure and ability to make critical decisions in a highly complex and dynamic environment were key to the safe recovery of a forty-million-dollar combat asset," the citation, signed by Allvin, explained. "The distinctive accomplishments of Captain McMahon reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force."

For his part, McMahon credited the support from his wingman, as well as the flight training he received from the U.S. Air Force.

"I'm optimistic the Air Force is on the right path; the training is the right way, and the simulators are close to real life," said McMahon.

It was earlier this year that the F-16 marked the fiftith anniversary of its maiden flight.

About the Author: 

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. 

Image Credit: Creative Commons.