Military Plane Crashes in Arizona

DOUGLAS, Ariz. (AP) -- Military officials confirm a single F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft crashed Wednesday night in southern Arizona.

The pilot flying with the 162nd Wing Arizona Air National Guard was the only person on board during the night training mission, according to an Arizona Air National Guard statement. The pilot's identity and condition is unknown at this time.

Angel Ortega, of Douglas, said he heard a loud explosion and initially thought it was thunder before he saw the smoke.

Cochise County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Carol Capas tells the Arizona Daily Star (http://bit.ly/… ) that the plane ruptured a gas line and sparked a fire, which "is almost out." Once the flames are extinguished, officials will be able to assess the damage.

A board will be appointed to investigate the incident.

(KA)