Fighter Jet News
F-16 Fighting Falcon News
121 FS F-16s involved in air-to-air mishap
August 2, 2013 (by
Capt. Michael Odle) -
Two F-16C Falcon single seat aircraft, assigned to the 121 FS, D.C. Air National Guard, were involved in a mid-air collision August 1, 2013.
The aircraft were on a routine night training mission off the coast of Chincoteague, Va., approximately 70 miles southeast of Washington. The accident occurred over water at 22:28hrs.
One pilot ejected from his aircraft safely and inflated his emergeny raft. He was recovered by members of the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City at 00:30hrs August 2. The second pilot and aircraft was able to return to Joint Base Andrews without further incident.
"Our partners here at Joint Base Andrews and the Coast Guard did a fantastic job of supporting us through this unfortunate circumstance," said Brig.Gen. Marc Sasseville, 113th Wing Commander. "The military has some of the best and most highly trained people in the world, which reduced the magnitude of this incident."
Both pilots were transported to Malcom Grow Medical Clinic and Surgery Center at Joint Base Andrews. One pilot has been evaluated and released and the second pilot was transfered to Bethesda Medical Center for further treatment of minor injuries.
"We are extremely fortunate to have lost only metal, and not the life of one of our Airmen," said Brig. Gen. Sasseville. "I wish a speedy recovery to our pilots, who serve their country with professionals and dedication."
The pilots' names are not being released at this time.
"Training is the foundation for everything we do," said Brig. Gen. Sasseville. "The mishap is under investigation, and our findings will be used to continually improve our operations to provide the safest possible training."
As soon as more information is available, the 113th Wing will issue a follow-on release.
The 113th Wing, DC Air National Guard, provides air sovereignty forces to defend the Nation's Capital, and also provides fighter, airlift and support forces capable of local, national and global employment..
USAF F-16C block 30 #85-1481 from the 121st FS flies over the skies of D.C. during a routine training mission at Joint Base Andrews. [USAF photo]
One pilot ejected from his aircraft safely and inflated his emergeny raft. He was recovered by members of the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City at 00:30hrs August 2. The second pilot and aircraft was able to return to Joint Base Andrews without further incident.
"Our partners here at Joint Base Andrews and the Coast Guard did a fantastic job of supporting us through this unfortunate circumstance," said Brig.Gen. Marc Sasseville, 113th Wing Commander. "The military has some of the best and most highly trained people in the world, which reduced the magnitude of this incident."
Both pilots were transported to Malcom Grow Medical Clinic and Surgery Center at Joint Base Andrews. One pilot has been evaluated and released and the second pilot was transfered to Bethesda Medical Center for further treatment of minor injuries.
"We are extremely fortunate to have lost only metal, and not the life of one of our Airmen," said Brig. Gen. Sasseville. "I wish a speedy recovery to our pilots, who serve their country with professionals and dedication."
The pilots' names are not being released at this time.
"Training is the foundation for everything we do," said Brig. Gen. Sasseville. "The mishap is under investigation, and our findings will be used to continually improve our operations to provide the safest possible training."
As soon as more information is available, the 113th Wing will issue a follow-on release.
The 113th Wing, DC Air National Guard, provides air sovereignty forces to defend the Nation's Capital, and also provides fighter, airlift and support forces capable of local, national and global employment..
Courtesy of 113th Wing Public Affairs