Officials at Nellis AFB, Nev., announced Thursday that search and rescue teams have found conclusive evidence that a pilot whose F-16 crashed Tuesday in the Nevada desert did not survive the mishap. “Based on evidence recovered from the crash site, and after extensive aerial and ground search efforts, we know that the pilot did not eject from the aircraft prior to impact,” said Brig. Gen. T.J. O’Shaughnessy, commander of Nellis’ 57th Wing. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the pilot’s immediate family, Air Force family, and friends during this difficult time.” The F-16 was participating in a combat training mission from Nellis when it went down on federal property approximately 20 miles west of Caliente, Nev. Nellis officials are withholding the pilot’s name and unit until 24 hours after notification of the next of kin. O’Shaughnessy said the accident is under investigation. Additional details will be released as they become available.
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.