Fighter jet crashes near Air Force base in AZ A French Air Force Mirage F1 returns to it's mission after receiving fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eric Harris/Released)
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates as more information becomes available.
A privately contracted fighter aircraft crashes near Luke Air Force Base late Thursday morning
“At approximately 11:11 a.m. today, during a routine training mission, a contracted Mirage F1 fighter aircraft operating out of Luke Air Force Base crashed 15 miles northwest of the base in an unpopulated area,” the Air Force Base said in an afternoon press release. “The pilot was able to safely eject. The cause of the incident is under investigation.”
Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, 56th Fighter Wing Commander said, “Our Airmen and partners are our most important resource and we are committed to conducting our mission to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots as safely as possible.”
“We are thankful for the continued outstanding support Luke receives from our community partners, especially during difficult situations like this,” Kreuder added. “Finally, I’m grateful nobody was hurt on the ground and the pilot was safely recovered with only minor injuries.”
Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC), the private company that provided the aircraft told AZ Family, “Today, an ATAC Mirage F1 fighter aircraft supporting military flight training at Luke Air Force Base was destroyed when it crashed in an uninhabited area outside the base. The pilot safely ejected and is being treated for minor injuries. ATAC is investigating the incident and will work with relevant authorities to determine the cause and take any remedial action that is necessary. We ask for your understanding as we work through all the details of this investigation. ATAC will provide more information as it becomes available.”
ATAC is a subsidiary of Textron and operates a variety fighter aircraft, including Mk-58 Hawker Hunter, Israeli F-21 Kfir, A-4 Skyhawk, L-39 Albatros II and the French Mirage F-1. The company employs former military aviators and uses its aircraft to train with active military aviators in the Air Force, Navy, Marines and Air National Guard, honing their tactical flight skills.
