The F-16 Fighting Falcon student pilot whose plane crashed April 11 was treated and released from a local medical center after safely ejecting from the aircraft. Capt. Jason Attaway, assigned to the 62nd Fighter Squadron, was on a two-ship student training mission heading toward an air-to-air training area to perform basic fighter maneuvers when the incident occurred.

The flight lead pilot circled the area, notified base officials and flew over the crash site to communicate with the captain on the ground. Captain Attaway has logged approximately 30 hours of flying time in an F-16.

The incident occurred in Luke’s southern departure corridor. This is an area where base officials have worked closely with local, county and state officials to ensure compatible civilian growth in conjunction with safe flight operations.

A safety board has 30 days to complete the investigation. The board president will determine during this time when the aircraft can be removed from the crash site.

Approximately 150 flights per day are flown at Luke Air Force Base. The base hosts the largest fighter wing in the Air Force and graduated 431 student pilots in 2005.

During beginning Air Force flight training, students receive initial egress instruction where they learn basic ejection procedures, parachute operations and parachute landing falls. Students also receive refresher egress training in an F-16 ejection seat every six months.

FMI: www.af.mil