Nellis personnel begin cleanup of jet crash site

Tuesday, April 17, 2001 | 10:20 a.m.

Nellis Air Force Base officials on Monday began to recover hazardous materials and debris from an F-16 that crashed Aug. 7 into Mormon Mountain, about 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas.

The crash led to the release of burning fuel and debris on the steep northwestern side of the mountain, more than 6,000 feet above sea level.

The crash occurred in a wilderness study area, and the Bureau of Land Management and the Air Force are working to clear the site. Although the mountain is under study until Congress decides whether to leave it wild or open it up to roads and motor vehicles, it must be treated as a wilderness area, Nellis spokesman Michael Estrada said.

The pilot, who was not identified, ejected from the fighter and survived the crash, although his parachute became entangled on a cliff and he had to be rescued by helicopter, Estrada said.

"The site is pretty close to vertical," Estrada said of the difficult cleanup operation, which will include the removal of metal shards, more than 3,000 gallons of aviation fuel and oil and some traces of radioactive material.

The hazardous materials involved include:

* Petroleum. More than 3,000 pounds of JP-8 aviation fuel, engine oil and hydraulic fluid.

* Radiation. A fraction of an ounce of Thorium 232 -- known as thorium fluoride, used on the outer window of the cockpit to block sunlight and allow easy night vision -- and a trace of Americium 241, used on a navigational device.

* Fibers. Graphite epoxy fibers used on the jet's vertical stabilizer burned and could become airborne. The fibers pose a safety hazard if inhaled or ingested.

The site will not be totally cleaned up, Estrada said. Some fragments of metal could remain and fuels could already have been absorbed by the soil. To help break down the petroleum, the Air Force is considering spreading manure, which will act as a natural bacteria, he said.

A few pinion trees and sagebrush burned in the crash, but there was no evidence of animals killed as a result of the accident.

The Air Force has asked the public to mail comments to: Michael Estrada, Air Warfare Center, 4370 N. Washington Ave., Suite 223, Nellis AFB, NV 89191-7078. Send e-mail to: mike.estrada@nellis.af.mil.