Temporary grounding of the Belgian Defence
F-16 fleet
On February 11, at Florennes Air Base, an F-16 had engine
problems on takeoff and landed immediately, as a precaution. The investigation
shows that several engines are likely to have the same problem. Therefore, all
F-16 engines must be checked and the fleet grounded while awaiting results.
Following
the advice of the engine manufacturer (Pratt & Whitney) and the aircraft
manufacturer (General Dynamics, now Lockheed Martin), it was decided to take
immediate corrective action and ground the remaining aircraft in order to carry
out checks as quickly as possible. Belgian Defence attaches great importance to
the safety of the population and the crew and does not want to take any
unnecessary risks.
In the
context of an air incident, the Defence Aviation Safety Directorate is
conducting an in-flight safety investigation. During takeoff, the F-16 from
Florence was confronted with a nozzle burn. This is a phenomenon in which a
break in material causes, due to the high temperature, a number of parts to
melt which then can come loose. The affected aircraft engine was dismantled and
sent to Patria BEC for maintenance.
During
the investigation, investigators noticed a problem with the hinge pin. A
thorough check of the entire fleet shows that a significant number of engines
exhibit similar phenomena.
Along
with the investigation, all participating European Air Force partners and
manufacturers were informed. Engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, aircraft
manufacturer Lockheed Martin and the US Air Force have indicated, based on this
information, that corrective action should be taken immediately on the affected
engines.
Repair
time is estimated at 5 working days per engine. There is, however, a shortage
of spare parts on the market.
The
“Quick Reaction Alert” system over Belgian and Dutch airspace will remain
operational after the inspection. Belgian Defence is taking the necessary steps
to provide the F-16s in operation with the necessary replacement engines.
Whether other countries are experiencing the same problem is currently under
investigation.
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