SEOUL- On Monday, a U.S. Air Force F-16 crashed off the western coast of South Korea, and local authorities successfully rescued the pilot following the ejection from the fighter jet.
This incident represents the second crash involving a U.S. military aircraft in East Asia within the past two weeks.
US F-16 Crash
The 8th Fighter Wing of the U.S. Air Force reported that the pilot had to eject over the Yellow Sea due to an in-flight emergency during a routine training mission around 8:43 a.m. local time.
The cause of the emergency is currently unknown and will be thoroughly investigated. The South Korean Navy and Coast Guard conducted the rescue operation.
The pilot, reported to be “awake and in stable condition,” is being transported back to Kunsan Air Base for further evaluation, as stated in the Air Force announcement.
The pilot’s identity will not be revealed, and no additional updates on their condition will be provided.
Similar Incident
Last month, a U.S. Air Force V-22 Osprey crashed into the sea off the southern coast of Japan, resulting in the tragic loss of all eight individuals on board.
The incident took place during a routine training mission, as the tiltrotor aircraft departed from the U.S. Marine Corps base in the Yamaguchi province and was en route to an airbase in Okinawa.
Within hours of the crash, one crew member’s body was recovered, and subsequently, five more bodies were found.
The safety of the V-22, known for its ability to rotate propellers for vertical takeoff and horizontal flight, was brought into question, leading Japan to ground its entire fleet.
Despite this, the U.S. military has continued operations and defended the aircraft’s safety record. The F-16, involved in the recent crash on Monday, serves as the primary fighter for the USAF and has been in active service for over four decades.
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