F-16 Fighting Falcon Crashes During Routine Training at South Korean Base

An F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing at the United States air base in Gunsan, a western port city of South Korea, crashed during a routine training mission on Wednesday at approximately 8:41 a.m.

The pilot managed to eject safely, and swift action by Republic of Korea rescue forces resulted in the successful recovery of the pilot, according to a statement from Kunsan Air Base.

“We are very thankful to the Republic of Korea rescue forces and all of our teammates who made the swift recovery of our pilot possible,” said Col. Matthew C. Gaetke, Commander of the 8th Fighter Wing, in an official release. “Now we will shift our focus to search and recovery of the aircraft.”

This incident follows a similar one in December of the previous year, when another F-16 belonging to the same wing crashed into the sea near the Gunsan base during a training exercise. In that instance as well, the pilot was safely recovered after ejecting from the aircraft.

The cause of the recent in-flight emergency will be subject to a thorough investigation, and Kunsan Air Base has assured that details will be disclosed upon the conclusion of the inquiry.

The 8th Fighter Wing, stationed at Kunsan Air Base, plays a crucial role in maintaining regional security and is an integral part of the United States Forces Korea.