Blade Runner

The Air Force announced yesterday that an Air Combat Command Accident Investigation Board report shows that an F-16C Falcon fighter jet experienced engine failure prior to crashing at the Utah Test and Training Range earlier this year. At the time of the accident, the pilot -- who was not injured -- was conducting a close-air-support training mission in a two-ship formation during an operational readiness exercise. A cracked blade cause the damage, the report shows. The board believes the crack was formed during the manufacturing process and remained undetected during inspection.