US Air Force: F-16s Collide, One Pilot, Aircraft Missing

Two F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, like the one shown here, from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., collided during night training exercises Oct. 15 over the Atlantic Ocean about 40 miles east of Folly Beach, S.C. One aircraft landed safely. The second aircraft and the pilot, Capt. Nicholas Giglio, are missing and a search is underway. (U.S. Air Force photo.)

News in Balance:

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C., Oct. 16, 2009 -- Two F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft collided during night training exercises Oct. 15 over the Atlantic Ocean about 40 miles east of Folly Beach, S.C.

Captain Nicholas Giglio, from the 20th Fighter Wing here, and his aircraft are missing and a search is underway.

The second F-16, piloted by Capt. Lee Bryant, was able to land safely at Charleston AFB, S.C. Captain Bryant was unharmed.

Aircraft and surface vessels of the U.S. Coast Guard are combing the ocean east of Charleston.

A board of officers will investigate the accident. As additional details become available, they will be released.

(Report from a U.S. Air Force news release.)