Data from flight recorder under review; training for fleet remains suspended

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will continue to suspend training flights for its F-16 fleet following the crash of one of its aircraft on May 8.

- Mike Yeo

The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said in a statement on May 9 that the suspension will remain until its investigations show that it is safe to resume F-16 training flights.

The RSAF also took a one-day safety time-out following the crash, for its units to review safety practices and contingency procedures, and will resume flight training on May 10 except for the F-16s.

Mindef also said the aircraft's flight data recorder has been recovered, and that the RSAF is working closely with F-16 manufacturer Lockheed Martin to review the recorded data. Singapore's Transport Safety Investigation Bureau, which is part of the Ministry of Transport, will also be supporting the investigation.

The F-16C single-seat fighter jet had crashed inside Tengah Air Base after the pilot reported encountering flight control issues while taking off for a routine training mission some time after noon on May 8. He ejected from the jet, which then crashed. Mindef announced the suspension of training flights that evening.