One Killed, One Injured in Training Mishap at Holloman

A civilian contractor was killed and an airman hurt when an F-16 dropped an active weapon on a range during active weapons training at Holloman AFB, N.M. The incident occurred when two F-16s were conducting a routine training exercise with a ground-control party at the Red Rio range, which is part of the White Sands Missile Range complex, at about 7:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday, according to a Holloman release. The ground control personnel were taken to Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center, where the contractor was pronounced dead around 9 p.m. local time. The airman, who is assigned to the 7th Air Support Operations Squadron at Fort Bliss, Texas, was released. “Our hearts go out to all those touched by the tragedy that occurred last night,” said Col. Houston Cantwell, 49th Wing Commander. “We are committed to supporting those affected and hold them in our thoughts and prayers.” The F-16s are assigned to the 54th Fighter Group, which is a geographically separated unit under the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke AFB, Ariz., according to the release.