Taiwan's air force has again grounded its Lockheed Martin F-16A/B fleet following a crash at Chiayi on 18 August. The F-16 fighter fleet only recently returned to flight status following a 52-day grounding after a series of crashes (Flight International, 18-24 August).
According to the air force, an F-16 crashed with an apparent engine problem 1.8km (1nm) from the runway during a second attempted landing. Three other accidents, also linked to engine trouble, have occurred since March last year.
The air force says the wreckage will be examined in co-operation with Lockheed Martin. Previous investigations have left open the possibility of pilot error or mechanical problems.
Taiwan's unique Block 20 F-16A/Bs are powered by the Pratt & Whitney F100-220 turbofan. Problems with augmentor duct cracking on the engine previously led to grounding of USAir Force and Israeli air force F-16s.
Source: Flight International
