An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 62nd Fighter Squadron, Luke Air Force Base, AZ, crashed about 12:00 p.m. Friday south of Alamo Lake, AZ. At the time of the accident, the F-16 was on an air-to-air student training mission. One pilot was on board and was declared dead on Saturday, after examination of the accident site.

The student pilot was practicing air-to-air combat engagements (1 v. 1) with another Luke F-16 when the accident occurred, according to Luke spokesperson, Mary Jo May.

The aircraft was the subject of an extensive search on th part of Air Force, Marine, Civil Air Patrol and Arizona Department of Public Safety aircraft and resources. Their combined efforts required a number of hours trying to find the wreckage, which was finally located late Friday in a remote locale some 80 miles NW of Phoenix. Due to the rugged terrain in the impact area, rescue personnel required the use of helicopters to reach the site shortly after daybreak, Saturday. The pilot's parachute and some of his gear were located approximately 150 feet from the F-16s impact point.

Media reports claim that there have been a total 17 accidents involving Luke AFB's F-16s in the last 10 years. Thankfully, only one of those accidents resulted in a fatality (in May of 2004).

The Air Force notes that a board of officers will be convened to investigate the accident.

FMI: www.af.mil