The United States Air Force has awarded the 2025 Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy to Captain Michael Cloninger for exceptional airmanship. The award follows a 2024 incident where the pilot safely recovered an F-22 Raptor after its right main wheel assembly separated shortly after takeoff.
Facing a lack of standard checklists for this specific mechanical failure, Cloninger bypassed an asymmetric landing attempt. He elected to perform a belly landing, choosing to burn fuel for an hour before executing a controlled, centerline touchdown. This decision, combined with his coordination with ground support, prevented a post-landing fire and major structural loss.
The recovery of the $156 million airframe is considered unprecedented for the F-22 program. Given that production of the stealth fighter concluded in 2011, the preservation of the limited fleet remains a critical priority for the service. Air Force leadership noted that the pilot managed a complex, unseen failure while operating under a full combat load. The aircraft has since been repaired and returned to service, underscoring the technical success of the emergency maneuver.