January 6, 2004 (by jetech) -
Failure of a turbine blade caused a 147th FW Ellington ANG F-16C to crash in an unpopulated area near Rosepine, La., Sept. 22, according to a report Air Force officials released today.
The pilot ejected in a sparsely wooded area near Ft. Polk, a U.S. Army base.
The aircraft, assigned to the Texas Air National Guard's 147th Fighter Wing, was part of a six-ship, unopposed surface attack training mission.
According to the Aircraft Investigation Board report, the engine turbine blade failed due to fatigue though there were no external signs of excess fatigue during routine inspections.
The pilot received minor abrasions from his parachute harness during the ejection. An Army helicopter took the pilot to a medical facility where he was treated and released. There was minor foliage damage at the crash location, but no other damage to property or injuries to people on the ground.
The value of aircraft and equipment lost totaled about $23.3 million.
