KF-16 damaged in Alaska, no casualties reported
According to the military, the incident occurred around 4 p.m. during takeoff at Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks, Alaska. A fire broke out in the aircraft, causing partial damage, and an emergency ejection was carried out.
The flight was part of the Red Flag-Alaska exercise hosted by the United States Pacific Air Forces.
The KF-16, a twin-seat fighter, was carrying two pilots, both holding the rank of captain. They safely ejected and were transported to a nearby hospital. The military said both sustained only minor burns and they are in stable condition.
The extent of the damage to the aircraft has not been disclosed. The South Korean Air Force said it is working closely with its US counterpart to determine the cause of the incident and assess the situation.
South Korea has deployed 11 aircraft for the Red Flag exercise, including KF-16 fighters and KC-330 multirole tanker transports, along with around 100 personnel.
The participants began terrain orientation and acclimation flights earlier Monday, with the main training set to run for about two weeks starting next Monday. They are scheduled to return to South Korea on July 1.
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