Phoenix F-16 Crash

An Air Force F-16 fighter plane is reported to have crashed approximately 80 miles northwest of Phoenix, AZ, at about noon, Friday, March 14, 2008. The plane, which originated at Luke Air Force Base, was involved in a training exercise prior to the crash. It is unknown whether or not the pilot has survived the crash.

The incident marks the third F-16 crash to take place at Luke in as many years. There were no fatalities in the previous two. According to an October, 2007 report from the Associated Press, the accident rate for F-16s has increased in the past five years, despite a lower frequency of flights. Military experts have blamed the increase on "human error." Fast Facts:

1. Luke is largest F-16 training base in nation
2. F-16 mishaps on the rise
3. F-16 world's most widely used fighter

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