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Dutch F-16 makes belly landing
February 27, 2007 (by
Lieven Dewitte) -
Today around 18.45h a RNlAF F-16 made a planned belly landing at Leeuwarden Air Base after it became apparent that the wheel from the front landing gear was missing.
The F-16 with serial #J-198 (flying with callsign 'Polly4') made a belly landing on its ALQ pod and tanks.
There was a problem during take off which resulted in the front landing wheel being lost.
The pilot burned up as much fuel as possible by circling the air field, while going over his checklists procedures and then deciding on the best approach to land in cooperation with the ground crew at the base.
It was ultimately decided to go for the landing with the gear retracted as they feared that the aircraft would tip over when it landed on its rear wheels.
Considering the circumstances, the pilot made a very good landing so the damage and the risks were limited to the aircraft.
The runway sustained some damage which has resulted in the airfield being closed until further notice.
There was a problem during take off which resulted in the front landing wheel being lost.
The pilot burned up as much fuel as possible by circling the air field, while going over his checklists procedures and then deciding on the best approach to land in cooperation with the ground crew at the base.
It was ultimately decided to go for the landing with the gear retracted as they feared that the aircraft would tip over when it landed on its rear wheels.
Considering the circumstances, the pilot made a very good landing so the damage and the risks were limited to the aircraft.
The runway sustained some damage which has resulted in the airfield being closed until further notice.
Courtesy of milspotters.nl
Additional images:
USAF F-16C block 25 #83-1161 from the 61st FS made a belly landing at Luke AFB on June 17th, 2004 in which only the fuel tank, the right ventral fin and the captive AIM-9 were damaged. [USAF photo]
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Tags
- Dutch F-16BM #J-068 crashes at Volkel AB - Pilots OK (2006-09-21)
- Dutch F-16 crashed in Afghanistan - Pilot killed (2006-08-31)
- Dutch F-16 crashes over the Wadden Sea (2006-07-19)
- Landing gear failed on Danish F-16 (2004-08-13)
- F-16C crashes on Luke AFB runway - Pilot OK (2004-06-18)
- F-16 Fighting Falcon news archive
External link:
- Milspotters.nl ( Includes sound and video file)
Forum discussion:
- RNLAF F-16 J-198 makes belly landing ( 7 replies)
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