The largest F-16 operation in history had failed; the overwhelming anti-air defenses and the impenetrable smokescreens deployed around Baghdad had rendered the American efforts futile, forcing them to return home with little results.

Amid the turmoil of the retreat, Major Emmett Tullia was left behind and desperately tried to correct his curse as he faced an unrelenting storm of anti-aircraft fire. The cockpit camera on his F-16 would record the events about to unfold.

Tullia suddenly identified a SAM-guided missile dashing towards his position and tried to deploy flares, but the system didn’t respond. He then reported the inbound missile through the radio as he feverishly performed a series of daring high-G maneuvers and breakneck speed. The projectile zoomed so closely that the American pilot could hear the missile’s buzzing motor.

The warhead detonated away from the pilot, but before he was able to catch his breath, his wingman warned him more missiles were coming. Tullia frantically turned and dived in a chain of risky evasion maneuvers, which exerted an unspeakable amount of stress on his body.

The man survived but was evidently shaken as he reported his status through the radio. But he was not out of the woods yet; soon, four other SAM missiles targeted his aircraft. The mentally and physically exhausted pilot would have to push his body to the limits if he wanted to survive the ordeal…

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Dark Footage showcases the most unbelievable photos and videos from history while telling the stories behind the camera. Featuring military, space, aircraft and real-life historic events caught on tape.