What happened
On 28 May 2024, an F-16C, tail number 86-0322, was conducting a routine training mission at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The aircraft, assigned to the 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, 354th Fighter Wing, was part of a four-ship formation acting as adversaries against F-22s from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
Shortly after receiving takeoff clearance from Eielson Tower at approximately 1:35 p.m., the aircraft struck multiple waterfowl, identified as whitewinged scoters. At least one bird entered the engine intake, causing serious engine stalls and visible flames from the engine nozzle. To manage the emergency, the pilot confirmed the area below was clear and jettisoned two external fuel tanks. These tanks impacted a forested area roughly 1.2 nautical miles west of Runway 32 and were destroyed. The pilot successfully performed a precautionary flameout landing at Eiellyson AFB. There were no injuries resulting from the event.
The investigation
The Accident Investigation Board examined aircraft data, Heads-Up Display recordings, and witness testimony to reconstruct the timeline. Investigators reviewed engine data which validated the reported engine stalls and analyzed maintenance and weather records. The board also evaluated the installation's Bird and Wildlife Strike Hazard (BASH) program to determine if existing mitigation measures were sufficient.
Findings
- The primary cause of the mishap was an unintentional collision with waterfowl shortly after takeoff.
- The birds were not detected by the pilot, tower personnel, or other aircrew prior to the impact.
- At least one bird entered the engine intake, resulting in damage to multiple internal engine components.
- The total estimated damage to the engine is approximately $1,265,213, with an additional $52,220 in losses from the destroyed fuel tanks.
- There was no evidence that the pilot or base personnel could have taken reasonable actions to prevent the collision.