Special characteristics:

• Unit Markings: 52 TFW

Deployment: DS

Special characteristics:

• Unit Markings: 52 FW

Comments:
Collided with F-16D (87-0389) at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio on the runway after taking FOD during takeoff. Aircraft was deemed repairable, but so far has not. As they were taking off, 87-0389 was ahead of 87-0270 and was in the air first with 87-0270 following right behind. At about 50 Ft. off the runway 87-0389's lower portion of the forward landing gear and nose wheel fell from the aircraft. This falling assembly travelled behind and struck 87-0270 in the conopy at about 25 Ft off the deck. The impact startled the pilot and he without hesitation ejected from the F-16. 87-0270 descended and smack down on the runway. Sliding several 100 ft eventually coming off the runway. Before coming to rest within 50 ft of the perimeter fence. The runway and grass tore up the belly of 87-0270 pretty good, dispersing considerable debris in it's wake as it slid. The pilot of 87-0389 was unaware of the incident until notified by the tower. The controllers had 87-0389 do a slow fly-by to inspect the aircraft and informed the pilot of the loss of the nose gear. The pilot eventually made a very skillfull nose down landing. He came in nice and slow eventually letting the lack of speed and lift lower the nose down on the runway.