F-16 Fighters collided mid-air over the Atlantic

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SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Two F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing collided in mid-air over the Atlantic Ocean about 8:30 p.m. on Thursday about 40 miles east of Folly Beach, S.C. The aircraft, from Shaw AFB, were participating in night training maneuvers. 

The aircraft carried one person each. One F-16 was able to land safely at Charleston AFB, S.C. The pilot, who was unharmed, was examined by Air Force medical personnel and released. The location of the other F-16 and its pilot is still unknown at this time. A search is underway involving the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy and aircraft from Charleston AFB. Identity of the two pilots is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

A board of Air Force officers will investigate the accident. As soon as additional details are available, they will be released. 

For information call the 20th FW public affairs office at 803-895-2019.