Fighter jet crashes in Afghanistan; pilot killed from Tampa Florida

UPDATE
Pilot killed in Afghanistan identified; son of retired 2-star
Apr. 5, 2013
By Jeff Schogol, Staff writer

The F-16 pilot killed in an April 3 crash in eastern Afghanistan is the son of retired Maj. Gen. Robert Steel, former commandant of the National War College.

Capt. James Michael Steel, 29, of Tampa, Fla., died in the crash near Bagram Airfield, according to the Defense Department. Steel was assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.

“Our condolences and prayers are with the family, friends and squadron members of Capt. Steel,” said Col. Clay Hall, 20th Fighter Wing commander, in a statement. “This is a difficult time for Shaw AFB, but we are focused on taking care of the Steel family, our Airmen and continuing to execute the mission.”
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Fighter jet crashes in Afghanistan; pilot killed
By Heath Druzin
Stars and Stripes
Published: April 4, 2013

KABUL — A U.S. fighter pilot was killed when his F-16 jet crashed late Wednesday near Bagram Air Field in eastern Afghanistan, military officials said.

The plane was on its final approach to land after a routine air support mission around 11 p.m. when it lost contact with its wingman and the control tower, Air Force Central Command spokesperson Capt. Natassia Cherne said. It crashed 10 miles south of the runway.

Cherne said preparations for an investigation were underway. The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing has appointed an interim safety investigation board president, and Air Combat Command has stood up a safety investigation board and an accident investigation board, she said.

The body of the pilot, the lone crewmember, has been recovered, according to a NATO release. Authorities did not release the victim’s identity pending notification of family members.
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