What you need to know: Capt. Harry “Butcher” McMahon, an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot with the 80th Fighter Squadron, received the 2023 Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy for his outstanding piloting during a critical in-flight emergency on July 28, 2023, in South Korea .

-During the execution of an advanced combat maneuver, McMahon suffered an engine failure accompanied by a loss of power. Despite the emergency, he deftly diverted to Cheongju Air Base. During its approach, air traffic control cleared two South Korean F-35s to take off in the opposite direction, creating a potential risk of collision.

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

Hero Pilot Saves F-16 in Airborne Emergency: Captain McMahon is honored

Few members of the US 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 accolades that no one wants to win—yet those who receive them will likely be honored when the time comes. This is almost certainly true of recipients of the “Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy,” which has was presented annually US Air Force aviators since its inception.

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 acts of airmanship by flight crew members who, through extraordinary skill, exceptional alertness, ingenuity or competence, avoided accidents or minimized the severity of accidents in terms of injury, loss of life, damage to aircraft or property damage,” the Air Force Safety Center noted, adding that the trophy commemorates 1st Lt. Koren Kolligian Jr., a U.S. Air Force pilot declared missing in the line of duty after T-33 Shooting Star the 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 American pilots. It remains the only individual flight safety section personally presented to US Air Force Airmen by the Air Force Chief of Staff.

“This is the highest safety achievement award we give,” said current Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin. “It’s not just about safety, it’s about operational efficiency.”

Saving an F-16 and averting a catastrophe

Captain McMahon was awarded the 2023 Koren Kolligan Jr. Trophy for an incident on July 28, 2023 in South Korea. McMahon, year 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 it suffered an engine failure in flight.

According to the summons that accompanied the awardMcMahon was, “flying as number two in a ship of four F-16CMs” while executing “an advanced combat maneuver sortie”.

After completing a defensive engagement, McMahon heard a sound wave or noise – accompanied by a loss of power. Although the emergency power unit (EPU) automatically activated as expected and provided the necessary electrical and hydraulic power, McMahon was unable to regain usable power even after methodically executing the emergency checklist. It was quickly determined that McMahon could not return to his home base and the decision was made to divert to the nearest 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 was underpowered to execute a take-off and instead avoided the South Korean fifth generation fighters by maintaining sufficient altitude and airspeed while he executed a “manual flame landing as traffic flowed overhead,” the citation continued.

The chief of staff praised the airman for both his exceptional flying skills and his quick decision-making skills, which helped prevent injuries and save the F-16.

“Captain McMahon exemplifies what it means to be an Airman and an American Airman. When faced with danger, he was determined and cool, enabling him to successfully problem-solve and navigate a life-threatening situation,” said Alvin.

“His calm demeanor under pressure and ability to make critical decisions in a highly complex and dynamic environment were essential to the safe recovery of a forty million dollar combat asset,” explained the citation, signed by Allvin. “Captain McMahon’s distinguished achievements reflect great credit on 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 US Air Force.

“I am optimistic that the Air Force is on the right track; the training is the right one and the simulators are close to real life,” said McMahon.

Earlier this year, the F-16 marked its fifth anniversary its maiden flight.

About the author:

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

Image credit: Creative Commons.