DOD identifies pilot killed in F-16 crash Published April 5, 2013 WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Department of Defense officials announced today the death of an Airman who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Capt. James Michael Steel, 29, of Tampa, Fla., died April 3 in the crash of an F-16 Fighting Falcon near Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.