F-16 Fighting Falcon News

September 9, 1999 (by Lieven Dewitte) - Taiwan blamed engine failure for the latest of several crashes of F-16 fighters and said it would seek compensation from the U.S. manufacturer, Pratt & Whitney.
The air force said an investigation concluded the August 18 crash of an F-16 while landing was the result of a mechanical malfunction of the engine and no other factors were involved. The crash was the fourth involving the warplane in 18 months. The pilot ejected safely. Five crew perished in the earlier crashes, the causes of which have not been ascertained.

The air force grounded its F-16s after the latest accident, but said it would resume missions after a thorough examination of all engines.