Work continues at Osan crash site

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Base workers labored throughout the night surveying debris from the F-16 Fighting Falcon that crashed near a gate at approximately 8 p.m. May 29.

A pilot from the 36th Fighter Squadron was taking off on a training mission in the F-16 when the crash occurred. The aircraft was carrying inert bombs and a captive training missile when it crashed. The pilot safely ejected from the aircraft and landed approximately 300 yards from the impact site.

An airfield manager on the runway was the first to reach the downed pilot. The pilot was taken to the 51st Medical Group emergency room where he was treated for minor arm bruises and released.

No facilities were damaged. A car and static displays of an F-86 Sabre and F-4 Phantom received minor damage. Base emergency response teams extinguished two small fires resulting from the crash.

On-scene workers retrieved the aircraft’s flight data recorder.

Even in bad news, good news arises, according to Col. Paul White, 51st Operations Group commander.

"In light of the crash and loss of aircraft, it's a success for the life-support and survival-equipment shops," he said. "At low altitude and high speed, the equipment worked as it is designed to, (helping the pilot survive)."

According to base officials, each pilot within Pacific Air Forces receives annual training on the ejection seat and life-support equipment.

"The pilots are taught on what to do after exiting the aircraft and man-seat separation occurs to improve their chances to survive," said Master Sgt. Christopher Moore, the superintendent of the 36th Fighter Squadron life-support section.

Moore said pilots go through training in a mock-up where they hang on a parachute harness and go through procedures to land safely.

"The swift actions of the pilot prevented any loss of life and minimized damage to base property," said Col. Gregg Sanders, 51st Fighter Wing vice commander.