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Thunderbird F-16 Crashes During Training Exercise

An F-16 Fighting Falcon that was a part of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds team crashed yesterday. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Christopher Boitz
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Key Takeaways:

  • An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds crashed during a routine training flight over Nevada, killing Slot Pilot Maj. Stephen Del Bagno.
  • The accident has led to the cancellation of the Thunderbirds' participation in an upcoming air show, with the impact on their remaining season currently unknown.
  • The cause of the crash, which occurred after takeoff from Nellis Air Force Base, is under investigation.
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An F-16 Fighting Falcon that was part of the United States Air Force Thunderbirds team crashed yesterday over the Nevada Test and Training Range north of Las Vegas, killing Slot Pilot Thunderbird 4, Maj. Stephen Del Bagno. A statement from the U.S. Air Force said the accident happened during a routine aerial demonstration training flight.

Pia Bergqvist

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

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