F-16 Fighting Falcon News

February 2, 1999 (by Lieven Dewitte) - An Air Force F-16 from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., crashed on to at raining range near Yuma, Ariz., just before 10 a. m. Feb 3. The pilot, 1st Lt. Esther Obert, ejected safely.
She was taken to the Luke AFB hospital where she was reported to be in good condition. Presumably, Ly. Obert is the first female American F-16 pilot to be involved in an accident.

Obert was one of three F-16s taking part in a training mission over the Barry M. Goldwater range when the crash occurred. The other F-16s returned safely to base.

An accident investigation board is being convened to determine the cause of the crash.