Aircraft Was Engaged In A 'Routine Training Mission'

An F-16 fighter jet with the 309th Fighter Squadron went down near Luke Air Force Base shortly before 1900 local time in a field just west of the Arizona base. There were two pilots on board. Both safely ejected and have been recovered. Neither pilot was injured.

The aircraft went down in a field adjacent to the base, and no damage to structures or private property has been reported.

According to an Air Force news release, at the time of the incident, the pilots were conducting a routine training mission. The Air Force will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident.

Police and fire departments from Luke AFB and surrounding communities responded.

"The first responders were outstanding," said Brig. Gen. Michael Rothstein, 56th Fighter Wing commander. "An incident like this highlights the close cooperation between our Fire and Emergency Services and their counterparts in the surrounding community."

A witness, Eva DeleCruz, told television station KPHO that "(t)he jet just exploded." DeleCruz lives near the base, and said "we see jets right and left."

The Air Force said that additional information will be released as it becomes available.

(F-16 image from file.)

FMI: www.af.mil