Pilot Ejects During Flight Emergency as F-16 Crashes Into Yellow Sea - The Messenger
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Pilot Ejects During Flight Emergency as F-16 Crashes Into Yellow Sea

The pilot was awake and in stable condition after being plucked from the sea

FILE: An F-16C Fighting FalconEthan Miller/Getty Images

A U.S. Air Force pilot is recovering after ejecting from his plane shortly before it crashed in the waters off of South Korea Monday.

The 8th Fighter Wing reports the F-16 Fighting Falcon experienced an in-flight emergency over the Yellow Sea at approximately 8:43 a.m.

South Korean Maritime Forces pulled the pilot from the water and he was awake and in stable condition, according to a news release.

He was being returned to Kunsan Air Base for a medical evaluation.

The military said his name and details of his injuries would not be released.

“We are grateful for the safe recovery of our Airman by our ROK Allies and that the pilot is in good condition,” said Col. Matthew C. Gaetke, 8th FW commander. 

The cause of the in-flight emergency is unknown and is under investigation.

The Air Force said it would not release any further information about the crash until after the investigation.

Kunsan is about 115 miles south of Seoul. It is home to around 30 F-16s, according to the Stars and Stripes newspaper.

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