Double failure of key component in F-I6 crash a very rare occurrence

Ex-RSAF pilots explain how malfunction contributed to the incident during take-off

- Mike Yeo

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has cleared its F-16 fighter jets to resume flying after identifying the reason behind a crash in early May.

An F-16 jet crashed inside Tengah Air Base as it took off for a routine afternoon training mission on May 8.

The Ministry of Defence said on May 18 that the aircraft's flight data recorder showed that erroneous inputs from its pitch rate gyroscopes a component crucial for flight controlled to the crash.

The pilot of the F-16C single-seat fighter jet reported encountering flight control issues. He responded in accordance with emergency procedures and successfully ejected from the aircraft.

The ministry said the pilot suffered slight injuries and was taken to the hospital for observation, while no one was injured on the ground.

Following the crash, the fleet of F-16s was grounded while the investigation was conducted.

The F-16s were cleared to resume flying on May 18 after checks were completed.