U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon jet suffered extensive damage Thursday when it struck a bird as it was approaching Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, officials said.
According to the city’s Office of Military and Veteran Affairs the F-16 Fighting Falcon was approaching the runway when a bird became lodged in the aircraft’s engine
The pilot landed the plane safely, but damage to the engine is estimated to be between $500,000 and $2 million.
The aircraft is part of the Texas Air National Guard’s 149th Fighter Wing.
The military’s investigation into the incident will include a DNA test of the bird’s remains to determine its species.
