Belgian Viper damaged at Leeuwarden
On the day the Koninklijke Luchtmacht (RNLAF, Royal Netherlands Air Force) was to say goodbye to F-16 operations from Leeuwarden, a Luchtcomponent (Belgian Air Component) F-16AM suffered some serious problems during start-up.
During start-up the engine was accelerating too quickly (some reports mention it kicked into afterburner) and it jumped the chocks, before crashing into a building opposite the flightline. The pilot ejected from the Fighting Falcon (a parachute was seen) and was injured. As a precaution the fire services doused the Viper with water, although it is not immediately clear if there was a fire. Besides the pilot two other persons were injured.
The Viper involved is FA130 (msn 6H-130), part of 2 Wing, based at Florennes. The base houses 2 squadrons, both equipped with the F-16AM/BM; 1sq Chardon and 350sq Ambiorix.
The unfortunate F-16 was not involved in the proceedings (which were cancelled and the airbase was closed) but was attending the ongoing Weapons Instructor Course.
Photo by Mark Williamson via www.jetphotos.com
On base pictures via Twitter