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 Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
