Thunderbird F-16 crash traced to engine 'blind spot' failure; second ejection in two years

An Air Force investigation attributes the December crash of a Thunderbirds F-16 to a mechanical failure in an engine 'blind spot,' marking the second such ejection in under two years. The finding highlights a recurring vulnerability in the F-16's engine design that may prompt maintenance or design reviews. The incident underscores ongoing safety concerns for the demonstration fleet, though no casualties were reported.