A-10 Warthog hits bird, drops 3 dummy bombs over Florida

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. — The Air Force says it’s investigating after a fighter jet struck a bird and dropped three dummy bombs used for training over northern Florida.

Moody Air Force Base in central Georgia said in a news release there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage after the 25-pound (11-kilogram), nonexplosive training munitions were dropped Monday afternoon by an A-10C Thunderbolt II jet. The base said a “bird strike” had caused “an inadvertent release” of the three dummy bombs.

RELATED

Trump to airmen in Korea: We’re keeping the A-10 ‘as long as we can’

“But people love them," President Trump said to applauding airmen. "Are they that good?”

By Stephen Losey

The Air Force said it didn't know where the training bombs landed, but the suspected area was about 54 miles (87 kilometers) south of the base near Suwannee Springs in northern Florida.

The Air Force said the dummy bombs, though inert, contain small pyrotechnic charges and should not be handled.

In Other News

Opinion

Why the military’s approach to its suicide epidemic is failing

In this opinion piece, the chairman of Boulder Crest Foundation argues that current military suicide prevention efforts are falling short.

VA acknowledges significant errors in budget shortfall predictions

Department leaders had warned of funding gaps of up to $18 billion but now believe those estimates were too high.

Women in combat ‘proficient,’ SecDef says, dismissing calls for change

Austin praised women in the military and said they should not be removed from front-line fighting posts.

Eligible veterans get easier access to military bases under new rules

New rules allow veterans and caregivers to enroll for streamlined access to military installations.

Lawmakers advance plans to boost veteran caregiver support

Bipartisan legislation passed by the House would improve at-home care options for ailing vets and mandate protections for community care programs.

Load More