US F-16 fighter jet crashes in South Carolina

| July 1, 2020


F-16CM

A US Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft crashed during a training mission in South Carolina, killing the pilot, the Pentagon said today.It said the pilot was on a “routine training mission” when the crash occurred. The pilot’s name is being until the next of kin can be notified.

Fair winds and following seas.

ChipNASA sends.

F-16 fighter jet crashes and pilot dead at South Carolina’s Shaw Air Force base

A U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. late Tuesday night and the pilot has been pronounced dead.

The crash took place at 11:30 p.m. during a routine training mission with one pilot on board.

In an update at 3:34 a.m., Shaw AFB said, “The pilot of the F-16CM that crashed at approximately 2330 on June 30, 2020, during a routine training mission here at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., was pronounced dead.”

“The name of the pilot is being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notification. Out of respect and consideration for the family, we ask for your patience and to avoid speculation until we release more information,” the update added.

Read the rest here: American Military News

Thanks, Chip.

Category: Air Force, Guest Link, Training Incidents

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26Limabeans

Sad

5th/77th FA

God’s Peace bring His Comfort to the Family and Squadron Mates of this Departed Warrior.

As many of us know and/or have learned, preparing for war can be just as dangerous as the war itself.

Mick

“As many of us know and/or have learned, preparing for war can be just as dangerous as the war itself.”

Shack.

I’ve had more friends and colleagues killed in Naval Aviation training mishaps than have been killed in actual combat operations.

RIP, Airman.

MI Ranger

Thanks for the news. RIP

Bill R.

The crash was actually on base upon landing after he flew his mission. I’m told the pilot was out of the 77th Fighter Squadron Gamblers. Initial rumor is landing gear collapse.

Sparks

Rest in peace, Sir. God be with your family.

UpNorth

Rest in Peace. My prayers are with your family and your squadron mates.

USAFRetired

1 Lord, guard and guide the men who fly
Through the great spaces of the sky;
Be with them traversing the air
In dark’ning storms or sunshine fair.

2 Thou who dost keep with tender might
The balanced birds in all their flight,
Thou of the tempered winds, be near,
That, having thee, they know no fear.

3 Control their minds with instinct fit
What time, adventuring, they quit
The firm security of land;
Grant steadfast eye and skilful hand.

4 Aloft in solitudes of space,
Uphold them with Thy saving grace.
O God, protect the men who fly
Through lonely ways beneath the sky.

Amen.

USAF RET

Amen. RIP

3E9

He was assigned to the 77th FS. Name has been released; 1Lt David Schmitz.

Wilted Willy

May the good Lord bless and keep you.

Ex-PH2

“…the valiant never die but once.”

Berliner

From Stars and Stripes:
“Schmitz, got his pilot license at 17, said Col. Lawrence Sullivan, commander of the 20th Fighter Wing, in a video on the page. A former loadmaster on the C-17, Schmitz “never gave up on his lifelong goal of flying for the United States Air Force as a pilot,” Sullivan said.

Schmitz earned his commission through officer training school and graduated at the top of his class in pilot training, Sullivan said.

“He loved his family, his country and he loved to fly,” Sullivan said.

Schmitz’s wife Valerie recalled the day before his final flight in a Facebook post. She let him sleep in because he would be flying at night, and she said he called her and their dog Toby into the bedroom.

“He smiled and said, ‘I just want to be with my family!'” Valerie Schmitz wrote. “My heart melted and I jumped on the bed, snuggled up close to Dave and lay my head on his warm chest, steadily rising with each breath. I could hear his heartbeat. Toby jumped on the bed next to me and we all snuggled for a moment and watched funny animal videos before Dave had to get ready for the day.”

The couple kissed goodbye and the dog licked him on the cheek. After midnight, the doorbell rang and she was informed about the accident.

“In an instant my life had changed forever and my heart shattered into a million pieces. A few hours later I kissed my sweet husband one last time on his cold lips,” she wrote.

“Hold your loved ones close. You never know when it might just be the last time you’ll see them. Your life can change forever in an instant. I love you so much, Dave, I always will.”

5th/77th FA

Awfully dusty in here for some reason. Must be that Sahara cloud they been talking about.

Thanks Berliner.