ISLAMABAD: A U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed at Spangdahlem Air Base in western Germany on Tuesday, injuring the pilot, who ejected safely from the aircraft, the US Air Force and local authorities said.
The F-16 crashed at around 1230 GMT at the base in Rhineland-Palatinate, according to a statement from Spangdahlem Air Base.
“The pilot ejected safely and is receiving medical care,” the base said, adding that emergency responders had been dispatched to the crash site.
Local civilian authorities confirmed that one person was injured.
Visuals emerging from the crash site showed a large plume of dark smoke rising over the air base, while emergency vehicles and response crews moved into the area following the crash.
Local residents also reported seeing the smoke column above the base.
The cause of the crash was not immediately known. US officials said the incident was under investigation.
Spangdahlem Air Base is home to the US Air Force's 52nd Fighter Wing, which operates F-16 aircraft and provides airpower and support for US and NATO missions in Europe and beyond.
The base is a key US military installation in western Germany.