CONTACT: 
Air Force Maj. Kristin Haley
Air Force Maj. Nicole David
(720) 847-6164

UPDATED at 4:09 p.m.

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (7/22/10) – A Colorado Air National Guard F-16C from the 120th Fighter Squadron landed safely at Peterson Air Force Base after experiencing an in-flight emergency in which the pilot jettisoned two empty external fuel tanks today in an unpopulated area. 

The F-16 was on a regular training mission over eastern Colorado and western Kansas when the emergency occurred and the pilot was able to avoid any populated areas before dropping the tanks.  

The tanks landed in an unpopulated area in Elbert County and county officials have been notified and are presently looking for the tanks. If any members of the community find the fuel tanks, please notify authorities immediately and stay clear of the tanks to protect the integrity of the Air Force Safety investigation that will be initiated by the 140th Wing.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

-30-

Be our Fan on Facebook:
http://www.co.ng.mil/Facebook  

Follow us on Twitter:
http://www.co.ng.mil/Twitter  

Watch our heritage on YouTube:
http://www.co.ng.mil/Youtube   

View our photos on Flickr:
http://www.co.ng.mil/Flickr