Portuguese F-16 crashes

[Piloto]

January 28, 2008 (by Asif Shamim) - A PoAF F-16 crashed today at 13.40h local time, during a test flight after completion of an M4 MLU modification. The pilot ejected, sustaining no injuries.

 

The aircraft believed to be F-16B block 15 serial number #15140 based at Monte Real Air Base crashed outside the base perimeter into a pine tree plantation and was completely destroyed. A small fire broke out at the site. No people on the ground or property were affected.

 

The pilot, whose identity was not disclosed, is considered an experienced professional, was taken to medical facilities to be checked out as matter of precaution said sources.

 

Air force officials have reported it is to early to speculate on the reason of the crash.

 

#15140 was initially delivered in 1999 as part of the Peace Atlantis II program. It has been storage until now awaiting its MLU upgrade.

 

Source: F-16.net

 

Jezz...theyre already short and now one less plane...

 

The pilot is ok though, anda thats what matters

Edited January 28, 2008 by Piloto

[JediMaster]

I guess that was an unsuccessful test flight! That's what they're for, although generally they don't lose them of course.

[Nesher]

at least the pilot made it out ok :)

thanks for the news

Cheers

[+Viggen]

You can replace the F-16. It's getting the crew back alive that counts. Good to see no one was hurt.

[Piloto]

You can replace the F-16. It's getting the crew back alive that counts. Good to see no one was hurt.

 

 

Actually we cant replace it....at least,not in the short course. But the pilot is all that matters. He is one of the most experienced pilots with more than 2.000 flight hours on the viper.

[+Jug]

Actually we cant replace it....at least,not in the short course. But the pilot is all that matters. He is one of the most experienced pilots with more than 2.000 flight hours on the viper.

 

It is a balance equation at all times. $28 million dollar jet, $29 million warm body........jettison the jet! If you ever get to thinking about this expensive jet, you just made a smokin' hole. Glad my Portuguese aviator still has the equation right.

[echoco]

The ejection seat must be as old as the aircraft and it probably haven't been upgraded like the aircraft and it still works. What generation of ejection seat are on on thesedays?

 

The pilot survives adn thats what matters most. Would this mean that since the test flight resulted in an accdent they'll be reevaluating the upgrade program?

[JediMaster]

Depends on why it crashed. If it was something like fuel starvation or a bird strike, I'd think not. That would take out any jet.

 

As for the ejection seat, those are often replaced. Especially a bird like the F-16 that's still being built, there are options for newer seats than what that Bravo bird left Ft Worth with back in the day.