AN AIR Force investigation is ongoing into how an F-16 Falcon fighter overshot the runway at the Saipan International Airport.
Andersen Air Force Base Public Affairs Office spokesman Tech Sgt. Stephen Teel said that at around 11 a.m., the aircraft was performing a training mission in support of Cope North 2012 and that upon landing, it rolled off the end of the runway. There was only one person on board.
“There is no reported damage to the airfield at this time and the damage to the aircraft is unknown. The pilot has reported zero injuries. Andersen Air Force Base is putting together a response team comprised of aircraft maintenance personnel who will provide on-scene assessment,” Teel said.
View area of emergency landing.
The F-16 is assigned to Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. It was taking part in the Cope North exercise along with jets from Japan and the Royal Australian Air Force. The exercise is scheduled to end this weekend.
Although reports indicate there was a mechanic malfunction with the aircraft, the exact cause of the emergency is still under investigation.
This is the first time in about four years that an incident involving a military aircraft has occurred in the region.
On July 21, 2008, a B52 Stratofortress that was about do a fly-over for the start of Guam’s Liberation Day parade crashed in waters 25 miles northwest of the island. All six crew members that were on board died. The Stratofortress was deployed to Guam from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana.
Three other incidents occurred in 2008 involving other military air planes.
