Fighter Jet News

F-16 Fighting Falcon News

Unarmed missile falls off F-16 at Burlington International Airport

June 11, 2007 (by Lieven Dewitte) - An unarmed missile fell off of a Vermont Air National Guard F-16 as it was taking off early Monday afternoon at Burlington International Airport.
The incident forced the airport to close for 30 minutes, though no one was injured, a Guard spokesman said.

The F-16 was one of several that was taking off in a training exercise at around 13.00h Monday. The missile dropped off the jet, and skidded to a stop on an airport runway. The F-16 was not damaged and continued with its takeoff.

A safety investigation board has been appointed to help determine why the missile fell. A Guard statement issued late Monday afternoon said more information would be released when it becomes available.