A South Korean air force F-16D Fighting Falcon takes part in a training exercise on Oct. 8, 2019. (Matthew Seefeldt/U.S. Air Force)
Two South Korean pilots suffered minor burns and lacerations while ejecting from a fighter jet that crashed during a takeoff attempt in Alaska, according to the country’s air force.
The incident, which involved an F-16D Fighting Falcon, occurred around 4 p.m. Tuesday at Eielson Air Force Base, the 354th Fighter Wing at Eielson said in a statement that afternoon.
“The crashed aircraft, partially destroyed by fire, is located on the grass next to the runway,” a South Korean air force statement said.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after the incident, according to the U.S. statement. The crew members were taken to Bassett Army Community Hospital at nearby Fort Wainwright.
The pilots — both captains — “are currently resting,” the South Korean statement said.
South Korea planned to send accident investigators and an emergency repair team to Eielson on Wednesday, the statement added.
“The air force will closely discuss with the U.S. and find the exact cause of the accident,” it said.
The South Korean pilots have been training alongside U.S. forces in Alaska as part of ongoing joint Red Flag military exercises.
