US Pilot Survived Two Days in Iran Mountains with Broken Back After Plane Was Shot Down

U.S. pilot survived two days behind enemy lines in Iran with a broken back after being shot down. Details from his first public account.

Editorial Desk

September 14, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — A U.S. Air Force colonel who was shot down over Iran in April has revealed how he survived for two days in the mountains with a broken back, arm, and shoulder while waiting for rescue.

The officer, known as ‘Bravo,’ was the weapons-system officer on an F-15E Strike Eagle that was hit by Iranian fire on 3 April. His pilot, ‘Alpha,’ successfully ejected, but Bravo landed in the mountains after his parachute was damaged by an Iranian missile.

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In his first public account, he described free-falling at speeds up to 100mph with a torn parachute, calling it the most terrifying moment of his life. Despite severe injuries, he managed to climb to a 7,000ft ridgeline using only a handgun for protection, determined to survive and signal for help.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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