September 28, 2000 (by Lieven Dewitte) -
Investigators have determined a bird strike caused the crash of an Air Force F-16CG fighter jet June 21 on the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range in Alberta, Canada.
The pilot of the aircraft, Capt. Richard Pietrykowski, from the 388th Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base Utah, ejected safely and sustained only minor injuries. The F-16 impacted the ground in a lightly forested muskeg area of the weapons range and was completely destroyed.
According to the investigation report released today by Air Combat Command, the crash occurred when a mature American White Pelican struck the canopy of the F-16. The pelican penetrated the windscreen, causing structural failure of the canopy and heads-up display. Debris from the canopy, the HUD and the pelican struck the pilot, causing confusion, disorientation and vision loss.
Pietrykowski ejected from the aircraft and was picked up by Canadian search and rescue forces. At the time of the accident, Pietrykowski and his unit were taking part in the Maple Flag joint training exercise.
