A Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-16C fighter aircraft went missing during a night training flight at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, United States.

The aircraft, which was part of a formation of three aircraft, took off on Wed, 19 May 04 at 2041 hours, Arizona time (Thu, 20 May 04, 1141 hours, Singapore time).  About 45 minutes into the flight, communications with the missing aircraft was lost. (Mindef News Release 20 May 2004)

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-16C fighter aircraft that was reported missing earlier is confirmed to have crashed about 90 nautical miles south of Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, United States in the Barry M Goldwater Range. The aircraft crashed at about 2141 hrs on Wed, 19 May 04, Arizona time (1241 hrs, Thurs, 20 May 04, Singapore time). (Mindef News Release 20 May 2004)

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) pilot who was involved in the F-16C fighter aircraft crash reported earlier did not survive the crash.

The pilot was LTA Loo Kwang Han, 25 years old. He graduated from Victoria Junior College in 1997 and joined the RSAF in Jun 1998. He obtained his pilot wings in Jul 2001 and became an F-16 pilot in Jan 2003.

MINDEF and the RSAF extend their deepest condolences to the family of the late LTA Loo Kwang Han. (Mindef News Release 21 May 2004)

"The Air Force has sent a team to the US to carry out an investigation, with the full assistance of the US Air Force. The Air Force has evaluated the circumstances of the crash and F-16 flying in our other squadrons has resumed in Singapore and the US. There is a temporary restriction on fighter night flying," said Minister for Defence RADM (NS) Teo Chee Hean. (Mindef News Release 21 May 2004)

The story has been pieced together using excerpts of Mindef news releases

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