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Spangdahlem F-16 pilot grounded for flying to low
October 29, 2008 (by
Mark Abramson) -
An F-16 fighter pilot at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, has been grounded after he reportedly flew well below authorized altitudes and spooked some residents around Nattenheim.
The 52nd Fighter Wing pilot dropped to an altitude of as low as 1,288 feet, or 392 meters, on the evening of Oct. 14, the German news Web site www.SWR.de reported. The lowest authorized altitude for flying at that time, after 5 p.m., is 2,000 feet, or 609 meters.
"Normally this altitude would have been well above the minimum of 304 meters (1,000 feet) AGL (above ground level) allowed in Germany without prior German Air Force approval, however, since the maneuvers occurred after 5 p.m., the flight occurred below the allowable minimums," U.S. Air Force officials said in a press release.
Residents told the German media that the F-16 hit its afterburner and made several steep dives and climbs.
The Air Force is investigating the incident with German authorities, and the pilot will remain grounded pending the outcome of the investigation, the Air Force release stated.
"We don’t know how long it will take [for the investigation] because we want to make sure it is done properly," Air Force 2nd Lt. Kathleen Polesnak said.
The wing is coordinating with its legal experts to determine what charges and punishments, if any, the pilot could face.
"Normally this altitude would have been well above the minimum of 304 meters (1,000 feet) AGL (above ground level) allowed in Germany without prior German Air Force approval, however, since the maneuvers occurred after 5 p.m., the flight occurred below the allowable minimums," U.S. Air Force officials said in a press release.
Residents told the German media that the F-16 hit its afterburner and made several steep dives and climbs.
The Air Force is investigating the incident with German authorities, and the pilot will remain grounded pending the outcome of the investigation, the Air Force release stated.
"We don’t know how long it will take [for the investigation] because we want to make sure it is done properly," Air Force 2nd Lt. Kathleen Polesnak said.
The wing is coordinating with its legal experts to determine what charges and punishments, if any, the pilot could face.
Published on October 29, 2008 in the European edition of Stars and Stripes.
Used with permission from Stars and Stripes, a DoD publication.
© 2008 Stars and Stripes.
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