SINGAPORE – The island republic has suspended training for its F-16 aircraft fleet after one of its jets crashed at the Tengah Air Base after experiencing an issue during take-off at 12.35pm yesterday.
Its Defence Ministry said the temporary suspension is a safety precaution until investigations show it is safe for training to resume.
The ministry added that the pilot who was involved in the crash logged more than 2,000 flying hours on an F-16, but said “he encountered flight control issues upon lifting off the runway” at the air base.
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said the incident was disappointing as the air force aims to have “zero crashes”.
“The last time we had a fighter jet crash incident was 20 years ago. It’s a credible record but obviously disappointed over this incident – the goal for the RSAF must still be zero crashes. Full investigations are underway to make sure all factors are identified and rectified decisively.
“The pilot who ejected from the plane has undergone a full medical exam in the hospital, including a CT scan, which reveals no major injuries. His alertness and compliance with safety procedures to eject saved his life.
“No serious injuries were detected – he is ambulant, conscious, and talking. But as a precaution, (he) will stay in (the) hospital for observation,” he posted on Facebook yesterday.
In May 2004, Singapore recorded a crash of an F-16 during a night training session in Arizona, US.
The 25-year-old pilot was killed.
The US-made F-16 is known for its manoeuvrability and combat radius. – May 9, 2024