A U.S. F-16 fighters, took off from Aviano Air Base, lost radio contact off Cervia (Ravenna) and is presumably crashed in the Adriatic. The aircraft, according to reports, was in formation with other airplanes.
The plane is officially missing and, for about an hour, are under his research in the first place by the same fighters who were in training with the "F-16. To the research also involved men of the Coast Guard, with the coordination of the operations center of Rome of the Harbor.
Reported a "problem" not specified the pilot of F-16 fighter statuntense that you have lost touch. He learned the ANSA from qualified sources airport 'Pagliano and Gori' Aviano (Pordenone), from which the aircraft has taken off. The last communication with the control tower dates back to 20.00.
The researches are focusing dell'F16 disappeared in an area that is approximately four miles off from Cervia (Ravenna) near a mussel farm. So far no trace of the aircraft or of any scrap or the pilot. Have not been found even trails of fuel. On site by 20:40 there are several patrol boats of the Harbour from Cervia games before and then the ports of neighboring provinces. The area was also overlooked by the three planes that had taken off shortly after 18 for a training flight together with that then dispersed.
1/28/2013 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Search efforts are underway after Aviano Air Base lost contact with one of its F-16 fighter jets at approximately 8 p.m. this evening.
The aircraft was performing a training mission over the Adriatic Sea with one person on board. The pilot's condition is unknown at this time.
More information will be released as it becomes available.
1/29/2013 - AVIANO AIR BASE, ITALY -- Italian search teams have recovered debris in the Adriatic Sea believed to belong to an F-16 Fighting Falcon which went missing during a nighttime training mission Jan. 28.
The fighter jet, assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing, was performing a training mission when the base lost contact with the pilot at approximately 8 p.m. Italian aircraft and ships were quickly dispatched to the missing jet's last known location; 10 to 15 nautical miles east of Cervia, Italy.
U.S. military officials are coordinating search and rescue efforts with Italian military and civilian teams. While the effort has not yet found any sign of the pilot, the search continues.
"We are tremendously grateful for the support and coordination we've received from the Italian people and government," said Brig. Gen Scott J. Zobrist, 31st Fighter Wing commander. "From the initial notification, everyone involved has shown complete dedication to finding our missing Airman."
More information will be released as it becomes available. A board of officers will investigate the incident.
From staff and wire reports
Posted : Tuesday Jan 29, 2013 10:40:25 EST
The Air Force has identified the F-16 pilot missing in the Adriatic Sea as the chief of flight safety for the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy.
Capt. Lucas Gruenther was flying a training sortie in an F-16 when contact was lost with his aircraft at about 8 p.m. Monday. Officials dispatched Italian aircraft and ships to the jet’s last known location, about 10 to 15 nautical miles east of Cervia.
Officials on Tuesday recovered debris believed to be long to the jet. Officials have found no sign of Gruenther.
An Air Force HC-130 from U.S. Africa Command and a rotation of Navy P-3 Orions from U.S. Naval Forces Europe have joined in the search.
"We are dedicating all available resources to the search and rescue operation," said Brig. Gen Scott J. Zobrist, 31st Fighter Wing commander, in a statement. "I'm grateful to the many Italian and U.S. professionals who are executing this mission. I am hopeful that we will bring him home safely.
Gruenther, 32, was flying as part of a four-jet formation during a night training flight from the Italian base. Italian news agency Ansa reported that the aircraft had reported a problem with the last radio contact.
Gruenther, of Twain Harte, Calif., had previously served as an instructor pilot at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, and was a graduate of the Air Force Academy. His family was notified of his disappearance on Monday, according to the Modesto Bee.
Gruenther and his wife Casey are expecting their first child in two to three weeks, the Bee reported.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Capt. Gruenther and his family," Zobrist said. "I personally appreciate the efforts of the many people who are supporting the Gruenthers in this difficult time."
