UNDATED (WSAU) The Air Force blames engine failure for the crash of an F-16 fighter plane into an empty vacation home in Adams County this summer. The Air Combat Command’s Accident Investigation Board released a statement yesterday about the June 7th incident. It said the plane was performing air-to-air combat exercises when the pilot had a “sudden loss of thrust,” and cockpit readings showed that the engine failed.

The pilot tried and failed to re-start the plane in mid-air – and he jumped out safely just before the plane slammed into a vacation home in the Town of New Chester. About 50 people were evacuated.

The pilot’s name was never released. The Air Force statement gave no other details, and officials have not commented further.