Residents across the Monadnock region were shocked Tuesday morning when they saw jets dropping items that appeared to “explode like fireworks in the air.”
What was perceived as a fireworks-like explosion was actually 13 flares released from 5,000 feet in the air by a 104th Fighter Wing jet, which was conducting an unscheduled alert exercise, according to officials from the Barnes Air National Guard Base, which is stationed in Westfield, Massachusetts.
“I couldn’t see it, but I could hear it,” said Eliza Allen, of Hancock. “It sounded like a plane crashing.” Dozens of people throughout the Monadnock region reported seeing or hearing the jet and flares.
“I was walking on the trails in Peterborough and heard jets three or four separate times around 10:30,” said Tina Sullivan. “Because I was surrounded by tall trees. I didn’t actually see anything, but they certainly sounded low.”
A press release issued by the Barnes Air National Guard Base said that the release of the flares was due to “pilot error” and that the flares’ release was inadvertent.
“The Wing alert exercises are normally publicized through media channels,” read the release. “In this case, the exercise was unannounced to test the combat readiness of the unit. The 104FW often does not have the luxury of advance notice, however, when possible, we will share as much information as we can.”
The release added that there was no public danger, due to the flares burning out well before reaching the ground. The F-15 fighter jet was intercepting another aircraft in support of a homeland defense exercise, according to the release.
“How can it be reported as inadvertent when they dropped flares twice?” questioned Kristie LaPlante, of Bennington. “But the jets did put on a pretty cool show.”
Hancock Police Chief Andrew Wood posted on the Police Department’s Facebook account yesterday morning, letting people know that he was looking into the issue.
Wood did not return a comment by press time, but did later post a news article about what happened.