US F-16 fighter jet crashes in S Korea during training exercise

SEOUL: A US F-16 fighter jet crashed on Monday in South Korea during a routine training exercise after experiencing “an in-flight emergency”, the US military said, adding the pilot had been rescued.

The incident involving an F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing happened early on Monday over the Yellow Sea, the US Air Force said in a statement. “The pilot ejected the aircraft. The pilot has been recovered by Republic of Korea Maritime Forces, awake and in stable condition,” the statement said, adding he would be evaluated further back at base.

“We are grateful for the safe recovery of our Airman by our ROK Allies and that the pilot is in good condition,” said Colonel Matthew C. Gaetke, the 8th fighter wing´s commander, according to the statement. The USAF said that the cause of the in-flight emergency was unknown.

“The incident will be thoroughly investigated,” it said, adding that the name of the pilot would not be released, nor would further details about his condition. South Korea´s defence ministry declined to comment.