After 2 crashes, Eglin ‘safety pause’

The commander of Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., announced May 20 that the base will take a “safety pause” on Thursday, May 21, after the crash of two fifth-generation fighter jets within days of one another. An F-22 crashed on Eglin’s test and training range last Friday. Four days later, on May 19, an F-35 crashed on landing at the airfield. Both pilots safely ejected without significant injuries. Back-to-back crashes have alarmed Brig. Gen. Scott Cain, commander of the 96th Test Wing, said in a Facebook post Wednesday that while the health of the two pilots is a relief, the base needs to turn its attention to improving safety. “The events over the past few days remind us that the defense of our country can be a dangerous business,” Cain said. “It is very important to me that we now take a safety pause." (Source: AF Times 05/21/20) https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2020/05/20/after-two-crashes-within-days-eglin-announces-safety-pause/