GLENDALE, Ariz. — Two ground emergencies were declared Tuesday evening at Luke Air Force Base during maintenance checks on a F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Up to 13 personnel were transported to local hospitals as a precaution during the ground emergencies. All personnel were evaluated and later released, according to a statement released by Luke AFB.
The first ground emergency was declared at about 4:40 p.m. due to a possible activation of the aircraft's emergency power unit. A response team determined the unit had not activated and no hydrazine, a highly reactive rocket propellant, had been released.
At about 9:45 p.m., a second ground emergency was declared with the same aircraft. Again, the response team found no hydrazine had been released and the emergency was terminated at about 10:30 p.m.
Luke AFB said the aircraft will not return to service until further testing is completed.
Acute exposure to hydrazine can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs and central nervous system, according to the U.S. Department of Health.
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