As the final F-16 Block 52 tail wing in Air Force inventory, the vertical stabilizer from the crashed aircraft will be a valuable asset if it is determined that it can be used again
On March 14 at Peterson Air Force Base (AFB), Airmen from the 140th Wing, Colorado Air National Guard (COANG), removed the vertical stabilizer from the Thunderbird F-16 that crashed in Colorado last year.
After a Thunderbird flyover for the Air Force Academy graduation on June 2, 2016, the pilot, Maj. Alex Turner, discovered a throttle issue and successfully bailed from the aircraft, preventing any casualties or damage to private property. The F-16 was then brought to Peterson AFB.
The service has decided that the part also happens to be the final F-16 Block 52 tail wing in Air Force inventory and would like to have it removed so that it can be reintroduced into the fleet in the future, even though the $29 million fighter plane was destroyed in the crash.
For the story, Colorado Air National Guard brings new life into fallen Thunderbird tail, Staff Sgt. Michelle Alvarez-Rea, Colorado National Guard, spoke with Master Sgt. Robert Baker, team chief for the recovery event, 140th Maintenance Group, explained that in order to remove the vertical tail of an F-16, a recovery team would typically need to remove the engine in order to get underneath the tail.
Due to the state of the downed aircraft, the team must follow a special procedure that was suggested by Air Force depot engineers. They will enter from above rather than below, allowing them to preserve the structural integrity of the tail.
The tail will be taken off and packaged safely before being transported to Hill Air Force Base (AFB) in northern Utah, where Air Force engineers will carry out a series of evaluations to decide the future of the Thunderbird 6’s vertical tail wing.
Precision aerial maneuvers are performed by the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, or Thunderbirds, to show off the capabilities of Air Force high-performance aircraft to viewers throughout the globe. The squadron is an example of the professional traits the Air Force cultivates in those who operate, maintain and support these aircraft.
A Thunderbirds air show consists of both solo and formation maneuvers. The four-plane diamond formation highlights the proficiency and training of Air Force pilots, while the single aircraft showcases the F-16 Fighting Falcon’s full range of capabilities.
Source: U.S. Air Force; Photo by Staff Sgt. Michelle Y. Alvarez-Rea / U.S. Air National Guard