F16 jet hits drone near Poznań?
PR dla Zagranicy
Roberto Galea
05.10.2015 15:09
An Polish F16 fighter jet stationed in Krzesiny air force base near the west-central city of Poznań, collided with an unidentified flying object.
A Polish F16. Photo: wp.mil.pl
The plane landed safely after likely colliding with a drone and was taken out of service until further inspections.
The accident happened on 15 September, near the 31st Tactile Air Base. Unit Colonel Rafał Zadęcki said “this was a threatening situation.”
There is confirmed damage to the protective coating and the fuel tank of the fighter jet.
“If any parts got into the engine, it could have been completely damaged and disconnected the engine during the flight,” explained Colonel Zadęcki, head of training for the second tactical wing.
The military will establish a commission to determine what caused the collision.
The cost of the repairs to the F16 is not yet known.
Authorities of the 31st Tactile Air Base Unit urge drone users to exercise caution near the runway.
The Polish Air Force has launched an official investigation into the accident.
Poland operates over 40 F16 jets. (ua/rg/rk)