A startling event unfolded on Tuesday in Niceville, Florida, as a fuel tank weighing 300 gallons fell from an F-16 Fighting Falcon, landing in a suburban area.
This aircraft is part of the 96th Test Wing, which is stationed at the nearby Eglin Air Force Base.
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. local time.
Thankfully, initial reports indicate that no one was injured or killed, and there were no immediate damages to property.
Concerns Arise
However, the situation raised concerns, as several residents reported spotting jet fuel around their homes, with some mentioning that fuel seeped into their yards.
In response to these developments, the Air Force base initiated a drone surveillance operation to monitor the affected area.
Crews are actively working to retrieve the fallen fuel tank and perform a thorough cleanup.
Role of the 96th Test Wing
The 96th Test Wing plays a pivotal role in the Air Force’s testing and evaluation efforts, utilizing F-16 jets equipped with external fuel tanks.
Each tank can weigh around 2,400 pounds, allowing for a total fuel capacity that approaches 12,000 pounds.
Local reports shared that pieces of the fuel tank were discovered in a resident’s driveway, alarmingly close to an elementary school.
Niceville’s City Manager expressed relief that the tank landed between two houses, emphasizing how fortunate it was that this accident didn’t result in greater harm.
Source: Militarytimes