A Republic of Korea Air Force F-16D Fighting Falcon crashed Monday afternoon during takeoff at Eielson Air Force Base, prompting a swift emergency response and the safe ejection of the aircrew.
The crash occurred around 4 pm as the aircraft was departing the runway. According to initial reports from Eielson, the F-16D left the surface of the airstrip and crashed nose-down on the runway, sparking a fire. The aircraft was within the base perimeter at the time of the crash.
Both crew members ejected and were transported to Bassett Army Community Hospital for further medical evaluation. Their current conditions have not been publicly disclosed, although they reportedly had some cuts, burns, and bruises.
Emergency response teams on base quickly arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire. No additional injuries were reported.
The F-16D was one of several aircraft brought to Fairbanks for participation in Red Flag-Alaska, a recurring multinational training exercise involving US and allied air forces. This year’s exercise is scheduled to begin Thursday.
Officials have not yet released the cause of the crash but said it’s under investigation.
Eielson Air Force Base is southeast of Fairbanks, and regularly hosts Red Flag-Alaska to provide a realistic combat training environment for friendly forces from across the globe.
