U.S. Air Force Pilot Safe After F-16 Crash in South Korea

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, prepares to land on the runway in April 2023. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force]

Aircraft recovery efforts are underway in South Korea after a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed over the West Sea, the service said.

The incident marks the second Air Force F-16 crash in South Korea in just over a month.

The incident occurred around 8:41 a.m. Korean Standard Time on Tuesday when the fighter jet assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing based at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, "experienced an in-flight emergency," the Air Force said. The pilot, who was not identified, safely ejected and was found conscious and recovered by 9:30 a.m.

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"The wing worked closely with U.S. and Republic of Korea mission partners to recover the pilot," the Air Force said.

Colonel Matther Gaetke, 8th Fighter Wing commander, expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by Republic of Korea rescue forces that allowed for a swift recovery of the Air Force pilot.

"Now we will shift our focus to search and recovery of the aircraft,”Gaetke said.

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Last month, an "in-flight emergency" was cited when an 8th Fighter Wing F-16 crashed into the Yellow Sea during a routine training flight. The pilot was able to safely eject and was rescued by Republic of Korea Maritime Forces.

Both incidents remain under investigation.