F-16 Fighting Falcon News

January 28, 2008 (by Asif Shamim) - A PoAF F-16 crashed today at 13.40h local time, during a test flight after completion of an M4 MLU modification. The pilot ejected, sustaining no injuries.
The aircraft believed to be F-16B block 15 serial number #15140 based at Monte Real Air Base crashed outside the base perimeter into a pine tree plantation and was completely destroyed. A small fire broke out at the site. No people on the ground or property were affected.

The pilot, identified as Lieutenant Colonel João Pereira, is considered the most experienced F-16 pilot in the FAP with over 2,000 hrs on the jet. He was taken to medical facilities in Lisbon to be checked out as matter of precaution said sources.

Air force officials have reported it is to early to speculate on the reason of the crash.

#15140 was initially delivered in 1999 as part of the Peace Atlantis II program. It has been storage until now awaiting its MLU upgrade. This was the eighth jet to go through this upgrade.