Mirage F1 Used For Training Pilots For Dogfights Crash Near Arizona

A Mirage F1 fighter jet that took off from the Luke Air Force Base crashed from about 15 miles northwest of the base. The United States Air Force confirmed that the pilot ejected safely and the crash happened in an unpopulated area. The cause for the crash is still under investigation.

The Dassault Mirage F1 is a French fighter and attack aircraft manufactured by Dassault Aviation. These aircraft are used in a number of USAF bases for training pilots in dog fights and other exercises such as “Aggressor” or “Red Air”. Luke Air Force base is home to both F-16 and F-35 fighter jet squadrons.

A local land surveyor who was working in the area saw the fighter aircraft was flying so low and then shortly he saw it hit the ground. After the crash, he saw a “fireball and a dust cloud”. He said to the military.com that

“We were worried about the pilot. The plane wasn’t making any noise before it crashed, and then I saw the parachute. I’m just relieved he was OK.”

The pilot of the aircraft ejected just before the crash and he landed about 2000 feet away from the crash site.

Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, 56th Fighter Wing commander said to the media,

“Our Airmen and partners are our most important resource and we are committed to conducting our mission to train the world’s greatest fighter pilots as safely as possible. We are thankful for the continued outstanding support Luke receives from our community partners, especially during difficult situations like this. Finally, I’m grateful nobody was hurt on the ground and the pilot was safely recovered with only minor injuries.”

Breaking: military aircraft crash scene in Buckeye desert #fox10phoenix pic.twitter.com/FASjd72xnu

— Nicole Garcia Fox10 (@Fox10_NicoleG) February 10, 2022