An F-16D fighter, a two-seat version of the F-16 multi-purpose fighter, from South Korea, had an accident while taking off for training from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska (USA). The incident occurred within the framework of a joint Red Flag exercise between the Air Force of South Korea and the US.
According to the Korean Air Force, the F-16D fell onto the grass next to the runway and partially caught fire. The flight crew of two pilots with the rank of captain promptly deployed the escape chair and were then transferred to the Bassett Military Hospital at nearby Wainwright base for examination. Both suffered minor burns and scratches, were not life-threatening and were being treated at the hospital.
The cause of the incident has not yet been determined. The South Korean Air Force said it will send investigators and emergency repair teams to Eielson base to coordinate the cause of the incident. We will discuss closely with the US and find the exact cause of the accident, the force said.
At the time of the incident, South Korean pilots were participating in training as part of the Red Flag exercise in Alaska. The event attracted around 1,500 soldiers and 70 aircraft, with flights mainly departing from Eielson Air Force Station and Elmendorf-Richardson Joint Stock Station.
The F-16D in distress was developed in the 1970s by General Dynamics. The F-16D is mainly used for pilot training but still retains almost all of its combat capabilities like the 1-seat version. The price of each F-16 ranges from 30 - 35 million USD depending on the model, but the price may vary depending on economic - political conditions and the scale of the order.
South Korea is operating a total of 167 F-16, including 118 F-16Cs and 49 F-16Ds, all of which are manufactured under US licenses.
