Pilot jettisons fuel tanks to save F-16

[unhappycamper]

Pilot jettisons fuel tanks to save F-16
The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Jan 27, 2008 15:41:21 EST

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. — An F-16 Fighting Falcon from Cannon Air Force Base was forced to jettison its external tanks after takeoff Saturday when it experienced a serious system malfunction, according to a news release from the base.

The pilot was able to save the $35 million aircraft by abandoning the tanks, maintaining control of the aircraft and safely landing back at the base, the release said.

The tanks held 740 gallons of fuel, base spokesman Senior Airman Thomas Trower said.

The external tanks, which were destroyed, landed in an open field on private property about two miles northwest of the base, Trower said.

Cannon first responders secured the site of the jettisoned tanks within minutes and were able to contain the spilled fuel to minimize any environmental impacts, Trower said.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/01/ap_f16tanks_080127/