Belgian F-16 crash leaves pilot stuck on power line

[TomSea]

Belgian F-16 crash leaves pilot stuck on power line

A Belgian Air Force F-16 fighter plane has crashed in France, officials say, leaving one pilot caught on a high-voltage electricity line.

Both pilots ejected from the plane near Lorient in Brittany, the Belgian air force said.

French media say the crash took place farther east, near Pluvigner.

Both crew members are believed to have survived and a rescue operation is under way for the trapped man.

Read more at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-49751536

[TomSea]

Apparently, the pilot caught in the plane on the power line has been rescued, good to hear.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2019/09/19/crashed-fighter-jet-pilot-rescued-after-getting-trapped-high-voltage-power-line-france/

[TomSea]

I was looking for more on this story, mainly a photo... not much but here is what they have. So, the pilot was trapped on the power line. I couldn't quite tell what they meant from the stories.


https://news.sky.com/story/pilot-caught-on-high-voltage-electricity-line-after-fighter-jet-crashes-in-france-11813821

And the plane crashed, total loss I gather.

[PeteS in CA]

While I'm sure they've been maintained and at least some upgraded, the Belgians are operating 1980s vintage F-16As and F-16Bs, the latter being 2-seat trainers. Apparently they have ordered F-35s.

[TomSea]

Thanks! Great info.