On October 20, 1987 at 0911, the control tower at the Indianapolis Airport was advised by the pilot of an A-7D Corsair single-engine military aircraft of an intended emergency landing due to engine failure. The Airport Fire Department began its normal response to set up on the intended runway. Due to low weather ceiling and poor visibility the plane overshot the intended runway, circled the airport and attempted to fly to an alternate runway. The Fire Department, having seen this, attempted to follow the aircraft. The pilot, unable to maintain altitude, ejected from the aircraft at approximately 500 feet.