An F-16C from Holloman AFB, N.M., crashed during a training sortie over the White Sands Missile Range last week, officials announced. The pilot successfully ejected before the jet impacted rugged terrain approximately 70 miles northwest of the base, near Truth or Consequences, N.M. The 314th Fighter Squadron pilot was rescued in “good condition” and taken to a local medical facility for evaluation after the Nov. 25 incident, according to an Air Education and Training Command update. The 314th FS stood up as Holloman’s second F-16 training squadron, relocating from Luke AFB, Ariz., to make room for F-35 training there back in July. Holloman’s F-16 training squadrons report to the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke. Loss of the aircraft is pegged at $25 million, and officials are convening an official inquest to determine the cause of the crash, according to the release.
Sustainment of the F-35 is rapidly becoming the most profitable part of the program, as growing numbers of jets, bases and depots drive a greater demand for parts and services, top Lockheed Martin officials said in an April 20 corporate earnings call. The comments come against a backdrop of criticism…