F-16 crashes near Douglas; families evacuated - Tucson News Now

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F-16 crashes near Douglas; families evacuated

By Tucson News Now Staff
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DOUGLAS, AZ (Tucson News Now) - UPDATE 11:39 p.m.: The 162nd Wing of the Air National Guard just released the following statement:

"A single F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft flying with the 162nd Wing Arizona Air National Guard crashed about 8 p.m. today five miles east of Bisbee-Douglas International Airport. At the time of the incident, it was on a night training mission with one person on board. The status of the pilot is unknown at this time. A board will be appointed to investigate the incident. Additional details will be provided as soon as they become available."

An F-16 from the 162nd Wing of the Air National Guard has crashed near Douglas, Ariz.

Initial reports were that two aircraft had crashed, but there was only one, according to Tanja Linton, a Fort Huachuca spokeswoman.

The crash happened in the area of Davis Road, near Leslie Canyon, causing a large fire. Some families have been evacuated because of the blaze, which the Cochise County Sheriff's Office says is about a half-mile long and affecting air quality.

A large number of emergency personnel have been dispatched to the scene, but the Douglas Fire Dept. had to pull back due to the presence of gas lines in the area.

Linton said Fort Huachuca is sending personnel to help secure the site.

No word yet on the pilot.

Witness Raymond Candell says he saw the crash and called 911.

He saw fireball explosions that lit up the night sky like daylight, he said.

Stay with us online and on air for updates. We have a crew on scene.

Copyright 2015 Tucson News Now. All rights reserved.

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