UAE | Leisure

F16 crashes during air show practice

A UAE Air Force aircraft belonging to a team participating in aerobatic show crashed in sand dunes near Al Ain International Airport, official sources stated.

  • By Aftab Kazmi, Bureau Chief
  • Published: 23:31 May 3, 2009
  • Gulf News

Al Ain: A UAE Air Force aircraft crashed yesterday in sand dunes near Al Ain International Airport, official sources stated.

The F16 Block 60 reportedly belonged to a team participating in Al Ain Aerobatic Show, which starts tomorrow. The pilot, however, survived unhurt.

Police sources yesterday confirmed the crash. Authorities are investigating the incident, according to WAM news agency.

The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, organisers of the Al Ain Aerobatic Show, did not provide any information to the press.

Eyewitness said the pilot was on a practice mission for the air show around midday over a desert area close to the airport.

The plane crashed between the dunes, and emergency services rushed to the spot. An eyewitness said the plane caught fire after hitting the dunes, but the flames were extinguished immediately.

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