The United States (US) Air Force has confirmed that an F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed around five miles from Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico.
The sole pilot aboard the F-16 fighter jet managed to eject safely from the aircraft and was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he has since been discharged.
According to the Air Force, the incident involving a 49th Wing F-16 fighter jet occurred near White Sands National Park at around 11:50 on April 30, 2024.
Following the crash members of the public were advised to avoid the area to “prevent possible exposure to hazardous chemicals onboard the aircraft”.
Although the national park remained open, some areas were closed off while emergency responders were on site and assisting with the incident.
“I want to take the time to personally thank our partners in the local community—the White Sands National Park, New Mexico State Police, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Otero County Sheriff’s Office Do and the U.S. Army Air Flight Detachment, for their support today,” US Air Force Col. Justin Spears, 49th Wing commander, said. “They were vital in the response efforts. On days like today, we are incredibly proud to be part of this amazing community.”
The US Air Force confirmed in a statement that an investigation conducted by a board of qualified officers is underway to determine the cause of the incident and that the pilot is in “good condition” following the crash.
In December 2023, a US Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed off South Korea’s southeastern coast and a month later another F-16 crashed off the west coast of South Korea. Both pilots safely ejected.