Pilot safe in Kunsan AB F-16 crash


3/21/2012 - OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFNS) -- An Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed near Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, during a routine training mission March 21.

The aircraft, assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron here, was flying a mission as part of the 51st Fighter Wing's ongoing exercise.

The pilot safely ejected from the single seat F-16 before it crashed into a rice field. No injuries have been reported. Response teams are on scene at this time.

"We are grateful the pilot is safe and that no one was injured," said Col. Patrick McKenzie, the 51st Fighter Wing commander. "Our main priority now is conducting an investigation to determine what happened."

The public is asked to cooperate with military and civilian authorities at the scene. A board of qualified officers will investigate the accident.

Additional details will be provided as soon as they become available.

(Courtesy of 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs.)