Officials provide update on F-16 crash

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SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany (AFPN) --  Officials at the 52nd Fighter Wing here have released additional information about the crash of the F-16 Fighting Falcon near the town of Oberkail, Germany, Sept. 14.

The F-16 pilot, 1st Lt. Trevor Merrell, 28, from the 22nd Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem AB, ejected safely from the aircraft. 

Lieutenant Merrell is from Mountain Green, Utah.
 
Air Force environmental experts have confirmed there is absolutely no indication of any hazardous exposure to the local population. Air Force environmental experts, in close coordination with German environmental officials, are continuing to monitor and assess the situation with no expectation that there is or will be any danger to the public.
 
All medical checks performed on military members are part of the standard actions for any aircraft mishaps in support of the ongoing safety investigation. Routine checks were also conducted on the team deployed into the accident site, which is standard protocol associated with these activities.
 
A board of Air Force officials are investigating the cause of the accident. More information will be released as it becomes available.