F-16 Crash Update #2: 52nd FW leadership statement

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  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  Leadership from the 52nd Fighter Wing provided the following statement regarding the F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft crash near Engelmannreuth in the county of Bayreuth, Germany, Aug. 11, 2015.

"Our pilots go through extensive emergency procedure training, preparing them for a variety of crises that may occur in the air and on the ground," said U.S. Air Force Col. Steve Horton, 52nd FW vice commander. "Our pilots are very familiar with their aircraft and how to egress from them safely in the event of an emergency. We are thankful that our pilot was able to put his training into action."

The aircraft departed from Spangdahlem for a training flight near U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria in Grafenwoehr, Bavaria, Germany.

The pilot jettisoned fuel tanks as part of established emergency procedures. There were no live munitions on board.

"The U.S. Air Force conducts a variety of risk mitigation and informs our pilots of safety measures to limit injury and property damage in the event of an in-air emergency," Horton said. "In-flight emergencies are actually rare, but we prepare our pilots for them regularly - we are committed to preparedness and safety."

U.S. military first responders are working with German authorities to secure the crash site. A 1,000-foot/350-meter cordon was established to protect the crash site and begin investigations. All persons are requested to stay away from the vicinity of the site for their own safety and not to impede on the response efforts.

"Our wing has enjoyed the benefits of the U.S. and Germany's relationship for decades, and we hope to continue this by keeping safety a top priority and maintaining a high regard for our communities," Horton said.

The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.

For more information, please contact the 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs office at 0656-561-6555 or 52fw.paoffice@us.af.mil.