A USAF F-16C Viper from the 49th Wing crashed on landing at Holloman AFB at approximately 18.00 local New Mexico time.
The pilot ejected from the aircraft and sustained minor injuries according to an official media release by the 49th Wing Public Affairs office at Holloman.
Officials at Holloman AFB said, “An investigation conducted by a board of qualified officers is underway to determine the cause of the incident.”
A press release from the 49th Wing’s Facebook page reads:
A U.S. Air Force F-16C Viper assigned to the 49th Wing crashed during landing at Holloman AFB at approximately 1800 MDT today. The sole pilot on board successfully ejected, and is currently being treated for minor injuries. Emergency response teams are on scene at this time.
An investigation conducted by aboard of qualified officers is underway to determine the cause of the incident.
Additional details will be released as they become available.
The past two months have been rough for the Air Force, which has witnessed the loss of two pilots and five aircraft.
Despite the U.S. Air Force’s recent loss of two F-16s in only two weeks, the aircraft has an impressive safety and combat record since it first flew 46 years ago and entered U.S. service 42 years ago in 1978.
The F-16 is in service with many nations including the U.S., Pakistan, Israel, Iraq and many European air arms to name only a few. The aircraft performs the multi-role air combat and ground attack mission in most of its versions but has also been adapted for the suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) “Wild Weasel” mission and other roles.
