Pilot grounded after improper maneuver in Fenway flyover

A Vermont Air National Guard pilot who took part in a flyover of Fenway Park during opening-day ceremonies has been grounded for making an improper maneuver near the park, a Guard spokesman said Thursday.

The F-16 pilot flew under and over the other three F-16s in the formation at about 1,200 feet over Boston on Tuesday afternoon because he was going too fast and was late joining the formation, Guard spokesman Lt. Col. Lloyd Goodrow said.

"It is a legitimate maneuver. It is normally done at 5,000 feet or above," said Goodrow, who would not release the name of the pilot."The crowd loved it, but it was not a planned maneuver."

Fans at Fenway Park or watching the Red Sox' opening day ceremonies on television saw three planes flying wing tip to wing tip when the fourth plane approached from behind and then appeared to curve around the other aircraft.

"At no time was the public in danger," Goodrow said. "Our pilot is a very skilled pilot. He maintained full control of the airplane."