An emergency occurred at around 8:41 AM, leading to a crash
The pilot who made an emergency escape was rescued around 9:30 AM
U.S. F-16 fighter jet (archive photo) ⓒ Air Force/Newsis
A U.S. military fighter jet crashed near Jikdo, Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do.
The U.S. Forces Korea announced on the 31st, “An F-16 Fighting Falcon belonging to the U.S. Air Force’s 8th Fighter Wing crashed into the West Sea at around 8:41 AM today after an emergency during flight.”
The pilot safely escaped and was rescued conscious around 9:30 AM. The pilot was transported to a medical facility for diagnosis. There was close cooperation between our side and the rescue process.
Col. Matthew C. Gaetke, the commander of the 8th Fighter Wing, stated, “We are very grateful to all colleagues and rescue members of the Republic of Korea who quickly rescued our pilot,” and “We are currently focusing on aircraft search and rescue operations.”
The U.S. Forces Korea conveyed, “The cause of the emergency during flight will not be announced until a thorough safety accident investigation is completed.”
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