F-16 crashes in Afghanistan; pilot safely ejects

  • Published
  • By 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) --  An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing crashed during takeoff March 29 at about 8:30 p.m. local time near Bagram Airfield.

The pilot safely ejected, was recovered by coalition forces, and is being evaluated by medical personnel at the Craig Joint Theater Hospital on Bagram Airfield. Coalition forces have secured the crash site.

F-16s at Bagram Airfield provide 24-hour overwatch and close air support for ground units in Afghanistan. Enemy fire was not a factor in the crash, and Air Force officials will investigate the cause of the crash.