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Dutch F-16BM #J-068 crashes at Volkel AB - Pilots OK

September 21, 2006 (by Bjorn Claes) - On Thursday afternoon, around 15.15h local time, Dutch F-16BM #J-068 crashed at Volkel AB. This is the third F-16 accident of the RNlAF in recent months.

RNlAF F-16BM #J-068 from 311 sqn has crashed right beside a shelter at Volkel AB on September 21st, 2006. [Milspotters.nl photo]

The aircraft was practising touch-and-goes on the base as part of its regular training syllabus. During one of those manoeuvres the engine stalled for unknown reasons and both pilots had to bail out.

The crash still occured on the base between a number of shelters. Both pilots ejected safely and there are no reports of injured people on the ground.

In July and August of this year the Dutch also lost F-16s, one during a training sortie above the 'Wadden Sea' and the other during an operational sortie over Afghanistan. The Ministry of Defence is starting an investigation. The MoD has a suspicion that the July crash was due to a mechanical engine problem. The cause of the August crash isn't known yet.


Additional images:

RNlAF F-16BM #J-068 from 311 sqn in trouble over Volkel AB on September 21st, 2006 with both pilots bailing out. [Milspotters.nl photo]

RNlAF F-16BM #J-068 from 311 sqn is flying right beside the control tower at Volkel AB on September 21st, 2006 prior to crashing at the base. [Milspotters.nl photo]

RNlAF F-16BM #J-068 from 311 sqn is paying a visit at Beavechain AB on September 9th, 2005 during a spottersday. [Photo by Mike Schoenmaker]
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