NELLIS AFB F-16C CRASH UPDATE

6/30/2011 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- U.S. Air Force officials here announced today that search and rescue teams have found conclusive evidence the pilot of an F-16C Fighting Falcon, which crashed approximately 5:30 p.m. June 28, did not survive. 

At the time of the accident, the single-seat F-16 based at Nellis Air Force Base, was participating in a combat training mission within military operating airspace managed by The Nevada Test and Training Range. It crashed on Bureau of Land Management property approximately 20 miles west of Caliente, Nev. 

"Based on evidence recovered from the crash site, and after extensive aerial and ground search efforts, we know that the pilot did not eject from the aircraft prior to impact," said Brig. Gen. T.J. O'Shaughnessy, 57th Wing commander. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the pilot's immediate family, Air Force family, and friends during this difficult time."

The name and unit of the pilot involved is being withheld pending notification of the next-of-kin. 

"We have started an investigation into this mishap; but we are in the very early stages of this investigation," General O'Shaughnessy continued. "For the next several weeks, a trained investigation board will focus their exclusive efforts on collecting and protecting evidence from the scene and gathering and analyzing all relevant data with the specific purpose of determining the cause so we may prevent future mishaps. Nellis Air Force Base is the busiest flying base in Air Combat Command, producing 42,000 sorties each year. As commander of this wing, the safety of the local community and our Airmen is my top priority."

Additional details will be released as they become available. Nellis Air Force Base will not release the name or unit of the pilot involved in the mishap until 24 hours after notification of next-of-kin is complete.


http://www.nellis.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123262291

NELLIS AFB F-16C CRASH BRIEFING TRASCRIPT

I’m Brigadier General T.J. O’Shaughnessy, Commander of the 57th Wing. As you may know, a U.S. Air Force F-16c, Fighting Falcon aircraft, participating in combat training missions crashed at approximately five-thirty P.M., Tuesday, on Bureau of Land Management property approximately 20-miles west of the town of Caliente, Nevada. There was one pilot on board and a search and rescue mission is currently under way to locate the pilot. I want to emphasize that there is no danger to the surrounding communities at this time.



We have already started an investigation into this MISHAP but we are very early in this investigation. For the next several weeks, a trained safety investigation board will collect and protect evidence from the scene and gather and analyze all relevant data with the specific purpose of determining the cause so we can prevent future MISHAPS.



Nellis Air Force Base is the busiest flying base in Air Combat Command producing 42,000 sorties each year. As commander of this wing, the safety of the local community and our Airmen is my top priority. At this time we are focusing our efforts on the ongoing search and rescue mission for the missing pilot. In the interest of preserving the privacy of the family, we will not release the pilot’s name at this time. However, we will continue to provide you with updates as more information becomes available.

http://www.nellis.af.mil/news/video/index.asp?cid=210&sid=21391

NELLIS AFB F-16C CRASHES

Posted 6/28/2011   Updated 6/28/2011 


NELLIS AFB F-16C CRASHES NEAR CALIENTE, NEV.

6/28/2011 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft crashed about 5:30 p.m. today near Caliente, Nev. The F-16, from Nellis Air Force Base, was participating in an air-to-air combat training mission. One person was on board. The individual's condition is unknown at this time. As soon as additional details become available, they will be provided. The accident is under investigation. http://www.nellis.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123261944 Update: From Local Fox 5 TV Las Vegas. (All times Pacific) As of 11 p.m. Tuesday evening, Nellis has not made contact with the pilot.