RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- United Stated Air Forces in Europe released an accident investigation board report today regarding the F-16 Fighting Falcon crash, which occurred Oct. 8, 2019. The crash occurred approximately eight nautical miles south of the base in an unpopulated area near the town of Rodt.
The pilot ejected and sustained minor injuries. The aircraft, values at approximately $25.5 million, was destroyed.
The mishap occurred during a routine training flight shortly after takeoff from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.
The AIB found, by a preponderance of evidence, that the cause of the mishap was a combination of a partial electrical power loss with poor weather conditions. The power loss led to the failure of the aircraft's flight and navigation instruments during a time when the weather conditions impeded the pilot's visibility requiring the pilot to rely on those instruments to maintain control of the aircraft. The two factors combined during a critical phase of flight, causing the pilot to eject for safety.
The Air Force is constantly evaluating its procedures with regard to safety, and the 480th Flying Squadron has incorporated these findings into their training and procedures in order to enhance flight safety.
For more information, call +49 6371-47-6558 or email usafepao.pao@us.af.mil.