Bad weather and a partial loss of electrical power caused the crash of an F-16 Fighting Falcon last Oct. 8, according to an investigation board report by the U.S. Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa.
The pilot ejected and sustained minor injuries, while the plane was destroyed. The incident occurred roughly eight nautical miles south of Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, where the fighter was based.
The plane crashed in an unpopulated area near the town of Rodt – its navigation and flight systems failed because of the power failure, while bad weather hindered the pilot’s visibility.
“The Air Force is constantly evaluating its procedures with regard to safety, and the 480th Flying Squadron has incorporated these findings into their training and procedures,” the Air Force stated.