Wisconsin 115th Fighter Wing Issues Statement On F-16 Crash In Michigan

The Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 115th Fighter Wing issued a statement Friday morning (December 11) after one of its pilots died in a crash in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula this week.

The pilot, who was the lone occupant of the F-16 fighter jet, was found dead Thursday (December 10). The crash happened Tuesday (December 8) around 8 p.m., during a routine training mission.

The 115th Fighter Wing has not publicly identified the pilot as of Friday morning, citing a policy to wait 24 hours after notifying next of kin.

115th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Officer Capt. Leslie Westmont introduced Col. Bart Van Roo to issue a statement Friday morning.

Van Roo recounted the details of the “exhaustive,” multi-agency search this week, thanking the local, state and federal agencies that assisted.

“Our primary concern and focus right now is for the family of the pilot,” he said. “Our dedication to duty and the training that is required of this job develops a bond that is like no other…The loss of a member like this is a very difficult thing for such a committed group of professionals.”

“Yesterday, I did what every commander prays they never have to do,” he continued. “I was accompanied by our base chaplain as we informed the pilot’s spouse and immediate family of the loss of their loved one.”

Van Roo asked for media and others to respect the privacy of the pilot’s family as they grieve.

The U.S. Air Force is still investigating the crash.

“I would like to explain that the investigation is a deliberate, three-phase process that examines all aspects of this incident,” Van Roo said, including pre-flight activities, maintenance, aircraft integrity, pilot briefings and training.

Van Roo explained that the first phase of the investigation is expected to take about a week, followed by the second phase in about 30 days, and the final phase could take up to a year or more to report full, comprehensive conclusions.

“We do not have specific details to share about the crash or what may have led to it at this time. We will release initial information to the public as we are able,” Van Roo said. “I want to close today by expressing my faith and confidence in the professional airmen of the 115th Fighter Wing family.”

Photo: Getty Images