Mechanic accidentally destroys F-16 fighter jet in Belgium
- 6 years ago
FLORENNES, BELGIUM — A mechanic servicing a fighter jet at a Belgian air base accidentally opened fire destroying an F-16. Talk about a bad day at work.
According to Scramble Magazine, while the technician was working on an F-16 in the hangar at the Florennes Air Base, he accidentally activated the jet's six-barrel 20mm Vulcan cannon and popped off a few rounds last Thursday.
Unfortunately for the technician, another F-16 was sitting outside the hangar and was fueled in preparation for an afternoon sortie.
The 20 millimeter shells caused the F-16 to immediately catch fire and explode, completely destroying the aircraft. Two other F-16s were also damaged.
Luckily no one was killed, although two mechanics were treated for some hearing loss.
According to the Telegraph, around 30 firefighters rushed to the scene along with other emergency crew.
An investigation has been opened into the incident.
According to Scramble Magazine, while the technician was working on an F-16 in the hangar at the Florennes Air Base, he accidentally activated the jet's six-barrel 20mm Vulcan cannon and popped off a few rounds last Thursday.
Unfortunately for the technician, another F-16 was sitting outside the hangar and was fueled in preparation for an afternoon sortie.
The 20 millimeter shells caused the F-16 to immediately catch fire and explode, completely destroying the aircraft. Two other F-16s were also damaged.
Luckily no one was killed, although two mechanics were treated for some hearing loss.
According to the Telegraph, around 30 firefighters rushed to the scene along with other emergency crew.
An investigation has been opened into the incident.