Identity of fallen pilot released

  • Published
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFPN) --  An Air Force student pilot, 2nd Lt. David J. Mitchell, 26, from Amherst, Ohio, and assigned to the 62nd Fighter Squadron here, was killed March 14 when his F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft crashed in a remote area three miles south of Alamo Lake, Ariz.
 
Lieutenant Mitchell was on a two-ship student air-to-air training mission in the Gladden Bagdad military operating area approximately 80 miles northwest of Phoenix. He had a total of 237 flight hours 26 of which were in the F-16. There was no live ordnance on board.

He arrived at Luke in November 2007 from the Ohio Air National Guard's 180th Fighter Wing in Toledo to attend the basic student pilot training course. Luke instructors train Air National Guard pilots, as well as active duty, Reserve and sister-service pilots as part of the Basic Course Fighter Training program.

A safety and accident investigation board of officers will be convened to determine the cause of the accident. This was the first Luke aircraft crash since Dec. 4, 2006. That crash occurred on the Barry M. Goldwater Range and the pilot safely ejected.

"It is with deep regret that I make this announcement, and I want to extend my sincerest condolences to the pilot's family," said Brig. Gen. Tom Jones, 56th Fighter Wing commander. "This is an exceptionally difficult time for David's family, and all of Luke Air Force Base mourns the loss of this great Airman." 

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