An engine explosion caused the April 11, 2006, crash of an F-16 fighter from Luke AFB, Ariz., an Air Force investigation board concluded. According to the report, an engine valve malfunctioned, leading to the explosion and loss of engine thrust. The pilot, Capt. Jason Attaway, ejected safely. Attaway’s F-16 crashed into a cornfield within a couple of miles of the base.
Air Force depots are not typically meant for quick repair jobs, but during Operation Epic Fury, the service moved some of its stateside heavy maintenance capability forward to fix battle-damaged aircraft closer to the fight.
